England, Hampshire Bishop's Transcripts - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection includes records for the years 1538-1980. The records are from the county of Hampshire in southern England, also known as Southamptonshire. They include bishop's transcripts containing baptisms, marriages, and burials. Date ranges of available records may vary by locality. Bishop's Transcripts are copies of parish registers that were kept by the local minister. The minister was required to send a copy of all records to the Bishop each year. The original records would have been kept at the local church. Bishop's Transcripts are extremely valuable when parish records may have been damaged, destroyed, or lost. Because Bishop's transcripts are copies of the original parish registers, be aware that they are subject to human copy errors.

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:
 * Your ancestor’s name.
 * Other identifying information such as residence, birthdate or age, names of other family members, and family relationships.

Search the Collection
To search the collection by name: Fill in the requested information in the boxes on the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the individuals in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to look at the information on several individuals comparing the information about them to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind: For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.
 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names, or variations of his/her name at some point in their life.
 * If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors. The following examples show ways you can use the information:
 * Sometimes marriage records note the names of the bride and groom’s parents. Use this information to extend your pedigree a generation.
 * Use the estimated age at death or burial to calculate an approximate birth year.

Things to Keep in Mind

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor and that your ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times in their life.
 * Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may also have been living in the same area.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Check for variant spellings of the names.
 * Search the records of nearby localities (counties, parishes, etc.).
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page, leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You can then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

Related Websites

 * Archives
 * UK & Ireland Genealogy - Hampshire
 * Hampshire Genealogical Society

Related Wiki Articles

 * Hampshire Genealogy
 * Hampshire Parishes
 * England Church Records

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image. Collection Citation: Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):