Life As A Single Mother in 1940's Lancashire

[Pendlewitch67]

Good morning

Sorry, couldn't come up with a subject title that covers my query.

I have found a second surname recorded against a lady who I know was only married once. By 1939 she was already married and her husband is registered at the same address but alongside her surname is the name thought to be that of the father of her child born about ten years later, shortly after her divorce.

I understand that married or changes in names were later added to the register but why would it record the name of an illegitimate child's father as this made the affair known? Under what circumstance would the father's name be required to be known as they never married? Would he have to be declared for any legal purpose, say child support,  or for health treatment which would then be required to be added to the register?

One website transcribes the name as, for example, Joan Smith, Smith  where another Joan Smith (Smith ??)

Any clues as to why this name was recorded when he was pretty much hushed up, as in most cases, would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Kind regards.

[mckha489]

As I understand it, if there is an alternate name on the 1939 register, she must at some point have been known by that name.
Is there a date in the same colour ink that indicates when the alternate name was written in?

[Pendlewitch67]

As I understand it, if there is an alternate name on the 1939 register, she must at some point have been known by that name.
Is there a date in the same colour ink that indicates when the alternate name was written in?

Hi

I have only read the entry available on the free websites not the full entry.

I can't imagine her using this name as she kept her married name after her divorce. The child never knew the father's full name so presumably it was never discussed.

Thanks.

[mckha489]

It might be useful to see what it looks like on the actual document.
It is possible that it has the second name crossed out too.  And if there are indicative dates attached they might be useful for understanding what went on.

[Gadget]

Unless we can see the written entry, we can't really tell and RC rules prevent us from investigating the original as you've not seen it.
 
The name might have been added from the NHS record when she had the child. What name was the child registered as - mother's maiden name, mother's married name or name of father?

[Pendlewitch67]

Unless we can see the written entry, we can't really tell and RC rules prevent us from investigating the original as you've not seen it.
 
The name might have been added from the NHS record when she had the child. What name was the child registered as - mother's maiden name, mother's married name or name of father?

Hi

I guess I am really wanting to know why the name of the father was necessary. I can only imagine back then it was either required on the NHS record (though was it mandatory?) or my other theory possibly some sort of child support but again could this be claimed outside of wedlock?

Thank you for the information.

[Girl Guide]

Have you checked to see if she married again after the divorce?  Or have you found her death under the married name that she had?

[Pendlewitch67]

Have you checked to see if she married again after the divorce?  Or have you found her death under the married name that she had?

Hi

She didn't remarry and died under her married name hence I am trying to determine, if only for the sake of completing the puzzle, why the birth father's name was officially recorded. As with any family scandal the details were hushed up. The last thing I expected was to see the name on the register.

I am now wondering if the name of the father was required for medical records though the birth was prior to the start of the NHS. With that, I wonder if other medical practitioners had access to the register or had to report such information.

Thank you.

[Girl Guide]

May well be something you will never be able to solve.  A possibility is that she used the father's name in an unofficial capacity and it was therefore recorded for that reason. 

You can call yourself whatever you like as long as it is not for fraudulent reasons.

Is the father of the child on the 1939 Register?  If not he may well have been in one of the services by then.