England Death Records

How to Find England Death Records Using Guided Research
To find a death record, choose the county the death occurred:


 * Don't know the county? — Go to How to Estimate Death Information

The England counties listed above are based on historic boundaries pre-1974. The records dating before 1974 are located within the information found in the historic counties. This practice better assists our patrons who are researching their ancestors before the modern time period.


 * England Birth Records
 * England Marriage Records

Introduction to Death Records
In England there are two record types that can give death information, Church Records and Civil Registration.

Before 1837 only churches recorded birth, marriage, and death information in England (see England Church Records). In the early 1800s, Parliament recognized the need for accurate records for voting, planning, taxation, and defense purposes. Legislation was passed to create a civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths for England and Wales and, for registering the same for British subjects abroad. England (and Wales) registration began on 1 July 1837, and covered births, marriages, divorces and deaths. However one problem with English civil registration is that coverage was not universal, especially in the earlier years before tougher laws in 1874. Use Church Records in these cases.

Church Records - Before 1837
Church records are the main source for death information prior to 1837. Although a nationwide order was given in 1538 that each parish keep a register of baptisms, marriages, and burials, many parishes did not start to keep registers until later and some early records have since been lost or destroyed. Beginning in 1598, copies of entries from many parishes were copied and sent annually to the bishop for the diocese of that area and these copies are known as Bishop’s Transcripts or BTs. The percentage of parish registers being kept in 1600 is around 54% and in 1555 14.8% and only 7.2% in 1538. Other records must be used to help establish ancestry.
 * More information
 * England Guided Research

Civil Registration - After 1837
Coverage and Compliance In 1837, the government in England and Wales required all births, marriages, and deaths to be recorded. Initially, up to 15% of events were not recorded, but that did not last long. By 1875, registration was mandatory and there were penalties for non-compliance. Most events since 1875 are registered. A birth had to be registered with the register office within 42 days. The law required all marriages to be recorded in a civil register immediately after the ceremony. Because a death certificate was required for burial beginning in 1837, almost all deaths were registered.
 * More information
 * England Guided Research

Church Records
Burials A burial usually took place in the deceased’s parish a few days after the death. Church of England parish register burial records usually contain:

The forms introduced in 1813 also called for: Burial registers may mention infant children who were not christened, including stillbirths. Christening records never record stillbirths.
 * Burial date
 * Name of the deceased.
 * If the deceased is a child, the father’s name might be given.
 * If the deceased is a married woman, the husband’s name might be given
 * If the deceased is a widow, that may be noted.
 * May give the sex of the deceased
 * Age of the deceased
 * Residence of the deceased
 * Occupation of the deceased
 * Minister's signature

Civil Registration
A death certificate usually gives: On certificates for adults, the names of parents are never given. In considering whether to order a death certificate, remember that the information on the certificate may be limited or inaccurate because it is based on the informant’s knowledge. It can be helpful for those looking for clues about persons born or married before July 1837.
 * death date and place
 * full name of the decedent, their sex and age, their occupation (or for a child, usually the name of a parent)
 * cause of death
 * name, residence and relationship of the informant to the decedent
 * date registered and the name of the registrar.