Genealogy Chat

Hi there - have been searching BMD for record of my gt grandfathers marriage in early 1900s in London. He was Thomas Parker, marrying Margaret Carroll. My grandfather Charles born in 1903 in Deptford. Found two records in consequetive years Vol 1d p2009 Sept 1901 Greenwich Vol 1d p1533 June 1902 Greenwich Is there anyway of telling which (if either) is the right one other than ordering both certs? Thanks Fran

Well, that's extremely spooky, isn't it?? To be honest, when I read your message I thought you had made a mistake.....I realise Thomas parker is a fairly common name but Margaret's isn't!! And two in the same Reg District too..... I don't think there is any way of sorting them out at these dates. Apart from the fact that (hopefully) one ''set'' were actually bride and groom to the two other marriage partners, would you be able to tell them apart if they both happen to have married ''your'' other name?? Merry

Maybe they got married twice!!! Merry

Wierd ................... Very. As, it appears, Margaret was the bride in both cases and the marriage would probably have taken place on her 'patch' I suggest that you have a look at the 1901 census and check that there weren't TWO of them and also maybe TWO of the groom nearby. Other than that rather than apply for cert through GRO contact Greenwich Reg. and ask if they can check both certs to see if there is a difference - names of the fathers and addresses, for example. - maybe even send Greenwich Reg your query by e-mail - registrar at greenwich.gov*.uk (omit the asterisk and the 'at' is the symbol) or tel: 020 8921 4377

That's a good idea of Joe's.....There is only one Margaret carroll in the Greenwich area in 1901 (not allowing for misspellings) Denis Carroll abt 1837 Deptford, London, England Head St Paul London John Carroll abt 1889 Deptford, London, England Son St Paul London Margaret Carroll abt 1882 Deptford, London, England Daughter St Paul London Mary Carroll abt 1853 Deptford, London, England Wife St Paul London Merry

Well, there is another one, but she is 75 and in hospital :o(( Merry

I don't think I would be able to resist getting both certificates! Anne

Thanks Merry and Joe for the advice and lookup. Definitely food for thought. Shall dash off email to Greenwich immediately. Ann - am very tempted to get both certs though.... Gets expensive, this lark, doesn't it? Fran.