Clifton Union confusion

[baytree1970]

Is "Clifton Union" registration district the same as "Clifton" reg. district? And if an event is recorded in "Clifton Union" does that mean the family were in the workhouse?

Here's the background - on the certified copy of the birth certificate for Thomas Chandler, born 20 Jan 1838 in Bristol, the registration district is "Clifton", sub-district St Philip and Jacob. However, if I search the online GRO index (1838 M quarter vol 11 p 244) it says "THE CLIFTON UNION". As far as I can tell the father was employed as a sailor and the family were not in the workhouse.

I have a similar example from a different area. Emma Shamwell Pontin b.May 1843 in Clapton, Kintbury parish in Berkshire. On the GRO index it lists the reg. district as "Hungerford" but when I search the online GRO index (1843 S quarter vol 6 p190) it says "HUNGERFORD UNION".

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[KGarrad]

Registration Districts were originally based on existing, 1837, Poor Law Unions.
Over the years they were changed to Districts - some earlier, some later.

[baytree1970]

So are Clifton Union and Clifton one and the same? Just an overlap in naming conventions? Nothing to do with being in the workhouse if born in Clifton Union?

[KGarrad]

Correct.

Clifton Union was an alternative name for Clifton Registration District.
As opposed to the parish of Clifton, which was one of the parishes in Clifton Registration District, AND Clifton Union.

[baytree1970]

Thanks, that's really helpful