English Birth, Christening or Baptism Date

'''To get started, choose one of the following time periods and read the information under it.

1538-1837
Church records varied by date, locale and religion. The Church of England parish records began in 1538. Non-conformist chapels, Roman Catholic and Quaker records began as early as the 1600s. If you don't know which church your ancestor belonged to, start with the Church of England. Read more about church records...

For a list of other sources for this time period, see England Research Guidance: Birth, 1538-1837.

1837-present
Civil registration started in 1837. Births were registered in district offices in the area where the family lived. Copies of the certificates were sent to the General Registrar in London. Read more about civil registration...