This is just a gentle reminder that Rootsweb does not allow messages that give information about commercial activities (excluding FHSs etc registered as not for profit charities). Please therefore avoid mentioning specific names and details of professional researchers and professional agents who charge a fee for their services - such as those mentioned in the thread about obtaining certificates. I feel sure that in this instance nobody here set out to intentionally advertise and that this was simply a case of trying to help others to avoid paying too much. However by naming agents who can obtain certificates for a fee, and their charges, this, by default, falls into the category of commercial advertising. As already mentioned by a number of Listers, the least costly way to obtain copy certificates is direct from the GRO in the UK, where the basic cost is £9.25 per certificate, inclusive of handling and postage. The GRO (now part of the UK's Identity and Passport Service) provide an excellent service to all parts of the world. The rules changed when the cost of copy certificates was increased earlier in the year. If you specify criteria such as, for example, a Father's name, where no match is found the GRO will now return your full payment (whereas previously part was retained). They will also make a search one year either side of an estimated year for an event at no extra charge. Ann Middx Admin