Genealogy Chat

Has anyone got any ideas as to where I would start looking for information in the 1700's? I am still needing to find information on Thomas Lofts' parents.... as he was born in 1781, I think the best course of action is to try and find his parents that way, or try and find his birth certificate....

Hi, I had this problem. His birth certificate would be your best bet. I tried a marriage cert for a rellie, but it only gave the father's name and occupation. You are lucky he was born before 1837. What was his birth date and town? If you need help, post a message and I'II help you look. regards Teresa

Hi Rachel There were no birth certificates in 1781! Civil registration didn't start until 1837 so before then all there is are the baptism records. These don't usually show the maother's maiden name although you mau be lucky and find one that does. You need to be looking at the parish records, although you could try looking on the IGI to see if he is on there. Where was he born? Some places have parish records online, some don't. Sam x

1781 in Nowton, Suffolk and he was married in 1807.....

Thanks for this informations.... Hi Rachel There were no birth certificates in 1781! Civil registration didn't start until 1837 so before then all there is are the baptism records. These don't usually show the mother's maiden name although you may be lucky and find one that does. You need to be looking at the parish records, although you could try looking on the IGI to see if he is on there. Where was he born? Some places have parish records online, some don't. Sam x

Have you tried the IGI on familysearch.org? I do know that it does't cover every parish. Christine

Whoops! apologies Rachel. I obviously had a blonde moment and read the date as 1881 instead of 1781. The others are right of course, no birth records then. a very apologetic Teresaxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

And when you DO get to the Parish records.... Just yesterday I looked up nine children from the same family on the microfische IGI to find that four were there and five are missing. Am not sure how that happens (one would assume if the parish record was there, all would be listed). But it can put you on the right track with regard to WHICH parish one should be looking at! Victoria

How do you find parish records?

Rachel There doesn't seem to be any Parish Records for Nowton, Suffolk available online (I googled) and the IGI doesn't, specifically, cover it either. The Parish Records for 1562 to 1974 are held by the Suffolk Record Office at Bury St.Edmunds. There is a reference to a Baptism for a Thomas Lofts in 1784 at Suffolk on Family History Online, its a pay to view site, but I sadly don't have any credits at the moment. Of course this may or may not be your Thomas but the entry would say where the Baptism took place and who were the parents. Perhaps you could ask for a specific look up? It would cost the kind person 5p. Chris

I have some spare credits that need to be used .Name Thomas LOFTS relationship son of Parents Mary LOFTS (baseborn) Date – May 9 1784 Notes – Parish Walsham-le-Willows Amount paid £0.05 But doesnt look like your guy as Name Thomas LOFTS relationship base son to whom Mary Date – Jun 4 1784 Age 1m Abode – Parish Walsham le Willows Amount paid £0.05 Least its ruled that one out Mhairi

Thank you so much Mhairi that was very kind of you to look for me.... back to the drawing board for information...