Where are Devon parish registers held?
Parish registers are one of the four main sources used by family historians researching families in England and Wales. They are also an essential source for parish history and demography. Post 1754 marriage registers can provide useful information on the extent of literacy. Parish registers are simply records of baptisms, marriages and burials as recorded by the minister [rector, vicar or curate] in charge of the Church of England parish. They can date from 1538 to the present day, and survive for most, but not all, Devon parishes . Baptismal registers, which in most cases were the only record of a child’s birth before civil registration began in July 1837, are especially useful as they record the names of the child’s parents. Marriage registers from 1754 onwards give the signatures of witnesses, who may be relatives of the married couple. From 1837, marriage registers also give the names and occupations of the fathers of the bride and groom. The family connections which can be made fr
