Together with Parish Records, the Registers of Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials can provide access to a wealth of personal information about individuals.

The parish registers originally began in 1538 when the clergy were instructed to record all baptisms, marriages and burials. The detail in earlier records was brief, but did improve in later years.  The baptism records are not a record of births, as other members of a family could be baptised on the same day. Copies of the registers were sent annually to the Bishop, which are known as the Bishop’s Transcripts.

The parish tended to the needs of the poor under the Old Poor Law, which existed between 1601-1834.  If a person was entitled to poor relief a record was kept in the Vestry Minutes and the Overseers’ accounts.  The entry would show how much was given, and for what purpose.  Other records available include the Churchwarden’s Accounts, Rate Books and Tithe Maps. 

(Photograph courtesy of Narberth Museum)