Why can't I find this birth??

[maureenjoan]

I am desperately trying to find the birth of Lucy Mabel Coombes.  Her dob was 3rd October or November 1919.  All the family seemed to have spent their lives in Birmingham/Halifax/Oldham although her death certificate says she was born in Epping Essex.  The informant of her death was her boss so he might not have known exactly where she was born, and could have made a mistake.  I have tried Essex, I have tried Birmingham, I have tried GRO, I have searched the Indexes - all to no avail.  Her mother's maiden name was Rogers (Rodgers?)  Strangely I also cannot find her mother's marriage (Ethel Maud  Rogers although she was called Edith in the 1901 census) to Frederick William Coombes.  Do I have to assume that Ethel and Fred never married and that Lucy was illigitmate - so why is she not registered as Lucy Rogers either - or perhaps she was just not registered at all.  What do you think??  Any clues or advice would be most welcome. 

[calow]

Hi, I can't help you but I have a similar problem myself. However it was common a child born out of wedlock was brought up by the grandparents. You could try that avenue.
calow

[janetm]

just to help any Rootschatters !


LUCY MABEL COOMBES , Death Dec/1986, aged 67  Birth 3 OCT 1919 Birmingham  West Midlands

[maureenjoan]

Janet
I have Lucy's death certificate, but where did you find her birth 3.10.1919 Birmingham?  I knew the date was either October or November but am interested to know where you found it listed.  Was there a reference cos I am sure I have tried Birmingham and GRO with no luck.  Can you please let me know.

[janetm]

Hi there,
Found it on Ancestry.

all the best
Jan

here are all the details

LUCY MABEL COOMBES
Death Registration Month/Year:    Dec/86
Age:    67 
Birth Date:    3 OCT 1919
District:    Birmingham 
Inferred County:    West Midlands
Volume:    32 
Page:    166 

[maureenjoan]

Thanks for that Janet.  However that refers only to the death which I have.  Although I have that birth date no-one seems able to find her - hence I think she was probably registered under a different name.  Registrar and GRO cannot trace by date - they need a surname unfortunately, but thanks anyway for your interest.