The Registry can only record the information it is given. Many older registrations have inaccurate or missing information. In the 19th century high rates of illiteracy led to spelling variations and errors in recording information.

Certificate Style

The method of production and the style of the certificate will depend on how much information was originally recorded. Certificate format and style has varied over the years:

All certificates produced from any format will have the complete version of information that has been recorded on the original registration.

If a certificate is not suitable for reproduction in a computerised format and needs to be retyped, the Registry will provide all the details which appear on the original register which the law allows us to include, e.g. amendments, corrections or annotations.

By law, the words 'illegitimate' or 'spinster' cannot appear on any birth certificate issued, even if the original registration included them.

Certificate Content

The content of standard certificates vary depending on how the information was recorded. In some instances, many of the marriage registers, particularly from 1856 - 1890's, do not show all particulars. Some of the entries were updated in the past based on information supplied by the church societies. There are still many that have missing information and it is advisable to contact the church in question who may have the information on their chuch record.

In general, more recent standard birth, death and marriage certificates include the following information.

Birth Certificates

• Full name, sex, date and place of birth
• Mother's details including full name and maiden name, age, occupation, place of birth
• Father's details including full name, age, occupation, place of birth
• Date and place of parent's marriage
• Previous children of the relationship

Death Certificates

• Full name, sex and age, date and place of death, place of residence, usual occupation and marital status at date of death
• Place of marriage, age when married, full name of spouse
• Children's name and ages
• Parent's names including mother's maiden name
• Cause of death and duration of last illness
• Burial or cremation date and place

 Marriage Certificates

• Bridegroom's full name, occupation, place of residence, conjugal status, place and date of birth, age, father's name and mother's maiden name
• Bride's full name, occupation, place of residence, conjugal status, place and date of birth, age, father's name and mother's maiden name
• Celebrant's name and witnesses

Please note that the Early Church Records of baptisms, burials and marriages (1788 - 1855) only have limited information, usually names of parties, date and place of event.

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