Civil Registration started in July 1837 For the majority of people wanting Baptism Marriage or Burial information before 1837 they would have to look at the Parish Records for the area concerned. There are some limited records held by the GRO prior to 1837 for men who were connected to the British Army.

When you request a birth certificate you may be given the choice of the 'long' or 'short' certificate the long certificate contains more information. For instance you should get the date of birth of the child, fathers name, mothers name (including her maiden name if she is married) occupation of the father, the address of where they are living, the date when the birth was registered, signature of the Registrar. This information may vary if for instance the mother is unmarried.

When you request a Death Certificate you should get where and when the person died, the name of the person, sex, age, occupation, the cause of death and the Doctors name, the signature description and residence of the informant, the date the death was registered, the signature of the Registar.