Does anybody happen to know if Bishops Transcripts exist for Poole (St James), and if so, where might they be? Many of the pre-1700 entries in the parish register are lost (numerous pages appear to have been destroyed by mould), so I'm hoping that BTs might still preserve the information. Thanks, - David.

David As Poole is in the Diocese of Salisbury, the BTs are stored in Chippenham in Wiltshire at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre - this is the case for most Dorset BTs. Not much use for you in Canada though. Unfortunately most BTs prior to 1723(?) were lost in the fire at Blandford where they were previously stored before the transfer of the parishes from the Diocese of Bristol to Salisbury. So if there are gaps in the PRs prior to 1723 then I'm afraid that the BTs will be of no help. As Vanessa has already pointed out the BTs from 1802 are available online through the LDS. Regards Jon Baker Dorset OPC Co-ordinator www.opcdorset.org Does anybody happen to know if Bishops Transcripts exist for Poole (St James), and if so, where might they be? Many of the pre-1700 entries in the parish register are lost (numerous pages appear to have been destroyed by mould), so I'm hoping that BTs might still preserve the information.