More Information on Birth Records

Birth Records in BMD Indexes (1837 - 2005)

What are BMDs?

'BMD' stands for Births, Marriages & Deaths records kept by the General Register Office (GRO) of England & Wales, part of the National Office of Statistics (NOS). These records have been kept by law since 1837, detailing every birth, marriage and death recorded in England & Wales since that date. These records are also used to issue birth, marriage and death certificates.

What information can I expect to find on a birth record?

In the 1837 - 1983 image search, you can find:

Name
Mother's maiden name
District registered
Volume number & volume page number (this is useful for ordering certificates)

In the 1984 - 2004 database search, you can find:

Name
Date of birth
Mother's maiden name
District registered
Volume number & volume page number (this is useful for ordering certificates).

You can find more information on BMDs at BMDIndex.co.uk.