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Dr Williams's Library |
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Nonconformist Registers and RecordsAlthough Dr Williams's Library is the main library for the study of religious nonconformity it has very few records relevant to the family historian. The Library does not hold the registers or records of individual congregations. The only significant exceptions to this statement are the records of London Unitarian congregations and of the Old General Baptists (mainly in London, Kent and Sussex). In all other cases Family Historians should approach the relevant local record office.Finding aids (i) Nonconformist registers before 1837 Most surviving nonconformist registers of births, baptisms and burials for the period before 1837 are now in the National Archives (RG4 series). Helpfully microfilm copies are often available locally at the relevant County Record Office. Any other records will either still be with the original congregation or hopefully in the appropriate County Record Office. (ii) Nonconformist registers after 1837 Civil Registration is available from 1837 to solve most family history questions, but post-1837 registers and any other surviving records will either still be with the original congregation or hopefully in the appropriate County Record Office. (iii) National Register of Archives The National Register of Archives (NRA) is maintained by the Historical Manuscripts Commission and provides information on the location of those congregational records which have been deposited. It can be accessed via: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra Dr Williams's Library supports the NRA by sending lists of its holdings. PLEASE NOTE: "Dr Williams's Library Registers" The so-called Dr Williams's Library Registers of births and baptisms are not kept by Dr Williams's Library, indeed they have never belonged to the Library or its Trustees. The General Register of Protestant Dissenters (incorrectly known as the Dr Williams's Library Registers), which were maintained by the Dissenting Deputies at Dr Williams's Library, were surrendered, along with most other early nonconformist registers, to the Registrar General in the 1840s. They are now in the National Archives (call number RG4/4666-4673). [Top of page] |
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