Where can you get copies of historical records?

England and Wales is divided into separate registration districts.  When a birth, death or a marriage is registered the event is written into a register in the district where it occurred.

If the event you are hoping to trace was registered in Stoke-on-Trent you should apply to our Register Office.  We hold the registers of all births, deaths and marriages occurring within the district of Stoke-on-Trent, dating back to 1837.

Events prior to this date were usually recorded by the church where they took place.  They are often held in the custody of local archives.  More information on sources available to family historians can be found on the family records website.

You may apply to the General Register Office which holds records for all births, deaths and marriages occurring within England and Wales.  Please note that the fees for this service are higher than those at your local office.