In a message dated 15/03/2010 21:25:24 GMT Standard Time, michael.lightfoot@pcug.org.au writes: In my experience Civil records only become reliable in the 1850s when it is not only compulsory, but there are sanctions for not registering. Michael I think that you'll find that the sanctions were brought in from 1874. Paul Gaskell Publicity Officer Oxfordshire Family History Society Website : _www.ofhs.org.uk_ (http://www.ofhs.org.uk)