Missing Birth Registration

Question

This is my 2x Great Grandfather.  I have an approximate date of birth of 1850, so there should be a birth registration for him, but I cannot locate it.  I know Burke is not an uncommon name and this is in a more populous area than where some of my ancestors lived, but my searches are coming up blank.

I can only think that his parents didn't deem registering his birth that important even though it was mandatory?

I can't find a birth certificate for his wife either, but have a bit less to go on with her!

Any suggestions much appreciated!

Answer 1

Unfortunately registration of a birth wasn't compulsory until the 1870's in England. It is thought that at least 10% of births were not registered.

Comments

Thanks - I didn't realise that.  Thought that from 1837 all BMD registrations were mandatory.

At least I'm not going mad though :-)

Answer 2

John's wife Frances Parker's birth was registered St. Saviour, Southwark in 1849.

England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915

Name: Frances Parker

Registration Year: 1849

Registration Quarter: Apr-May-Jun

Registration district: St Saviour Southwark

Parishes for this Registration District: View Ecclesiastical Parishes associated with this Registration District

Inferred County: London

Volume: 4

Page: 518

Comments

Thanks for this!  I remember searching the indexes back when they were at Faringdon and not managing to find what I thought was correct.

Certificate now on order :-)