Records of French Citizens in UK in 1800’s

[rebeccaclaire86]

I’m researching a Frenchman who I think emigrated to England at some point between 1841 and 1851. He settled in Hertfordshire, married here and remained here for the rest of his life.

Censuses give his birthplace as Paris (on the only census that doesn’t just say France) and a rough birthdate of around 1828. I do have his Fathers name from a marriage certificate.

Before I start trying to delve into French records, I was wondering what records (if any) there might be in England about him? Can anyone recommend any sources for this time period that he might appear in? He died in 1911.

[manukarik]

Any other info - for example, name? Would help us see what is available...

[rebeccaclaire86]

His name was Francis Goll/Gall and he turns up in Hitchin, Hertfordshire around 1851. I was just after general information about sources but obviously I’d welcome anything anyone can find too, thank you for asking!

[manukarik]

Thanks - have been trying to see what I can find. The 1871 Census shows Francis as born in France, British Subject. So if born British may need to check Embassy/Consulate Records rather than for a French "acte de naissance"?  Interesting that the Galls in Hitchin were born around the world, including in Bengal!

Will keep looking...

[rebeccaclaire86]

The 1911 census states he’s a French national so I’m not sure which is correct!

[manukarik]

I see what you mean! Trying to see what  I can find in Paris, but a lot of records were destroyed in a fire in 1871, some have been "reconstituted" from other sources ...

What's throwing me is his first name, Francis. You'd expect him to be François if he were French? Maybe it was anglicized on his arrival in England.