In a message dated 24/01/2004 07:23:29 GMT Standard Time, Amstueck@aol.com writes: > I am in a cul-de-sac and would be grateful to any one who would suggest in > which direction I should orientate my research. > As the GRO states prior to 1927 there was no formal adoption process, and the term "adopted" generally included fostering and guardianship. In many instances a child was simply "adopted" into the extended family or taken in by neighbours/family friends and brought up as a member of their own family. Occasionally it was arranged through a solicitor, doctor or charitable organisation but adoption was viewed as an essentially private arrangement between the parties concerned. If any documentation has survived, it is likely to be found in the relevant county record office (with the solicitors' deposited material) or with the records of the organisation. However, to access these it is necessary to know the name of the solicitor/organisation and the approximate date on which the arrangement was made. Regards Stan Mapstone