Hi Bill, ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Dalton" <rnbill@centurytel.net> >I am trying to get the birth and death certs on an ancestor. The only > problem is that there are 4 possible candidates for each, total of 8. > The only saving grace is that I know the names of both of the parents. > The only problem is that when I sent the GRO an email asking how to > request the certs since there is no place to list the parents, they > replied that they no longer provide a reference checking service. > > Any ideas on how to tell them exactly which certs are the ones to send > without having to unload my wallet on extra fees for researching their > records?> > Thanks> Bill Dalton > Not sure where you are but your e-mail address would suggest the U.S.A. You do not give further details but I assume that the certificates originate with London Registration Districts? On that assumption: I would check for the baptisms of the four candidates - that would give me hopefully the names of all four sets of parents. It might also be possible to match the addresses to the Registration Districts, opening the way to obtaining the certificate from the local Register Office (N.B. GRO references are no use to the local offices) Each Registration District runs fairly independently, and one or two used not to encourage "historical " certificates,but I think most have now realised they are a source of revenue:-) Each R.D. will have its own website, and information on obtaining certificates and making enquiries. Furnish more details of your candidates for your certs and I am sure people on this list will be able to advise further. Kind regards, John Henley