When was the recording of vital events (births, marriages and deaths) first required by law?
Up to 1792 recording of vital events was made by church. The oldest text known is from 1406 (at Nantes). But the oldest register is from 1334 (Givry-sur-Saône). This is probably more an accountant book than a vital register. The oldest register kept seems to be Roz-Landrieux (Ille-et-Vilaine) births register starting in 1451. 378 parishes have registers starting before 1539. The first royal text about vital register was from 1539 (to know how nominate major peoples in church function). The first royal text specifically about vital registers was from 1736. After this date, register were kept in double and generally relatively well kept until now. Q. What organisation was responsible for recording vital events? How has this changed over time? From the beginning to 1792 catholic church is in charge of vital registers. For Protestants, the official authorisation to have vital registers was from 1664. But in 1685 Protestants were out of law. It is necessary to wait until 1787 to have a tole
