Find Ancestors

Why is it that some registry offices are fantastic and some awful? I am fed up to the back teeth with Gravesend registrars(yes I'm going to name and shame lol)
I'm researching a couple of families that comes from that area and have been told numerous times that they can't find the certificates. Now bearing in mind that I supply the complete details and it's different families I'm looking for I'm getting a bit fed up with being told this.

Sent for some certs this week and surprise surprise they can't find them. However they've now told me to try the next office along as they cover some of that area!!! Well thanks a lot why didn't anyone tell me this a couple of years ago?

Then sent off to Southwark for some certs and they've sent my stuff back saying they don't do certs before 1900(One of them I requested was for 1914) and that I'll have to get it from GRO. That's all fine and dandy but that means I've got to pay an extra £1.50.

On the other hand some offices are brilliant. The Sunderland,Newcastle and Gateshead ones are great. I get certs back by return of post.

So come on then which offices are good and bad?

If you order online with references then the certificates are £7 from the GRO.

Kath. x

I got two birth certificates for my parents who were born in cumberland 1908 and 1913 from Southport with no trouble
Lilian

BIRMINGHAM REGISTER OFFICE :

I have so much praise for this office. The certs
always come by return of post, & if they think that the requested cert does not quite match
the details I have given they will always use the phone to double check if I still want the cert.
The other great thing about B'ham is the certs are copies of the original ones....so those ink stains on the X are from MY relatives !!!
Well done, Birmingham.
Margaret.

Over the past month or so I have had many dealings with the Salford and Manchester registrars, and the service has been brilliant. Polite, helpful, and respectful.Nothing was too much trouble. My deepest thanks.
Terry

Over the past month or so I have had many dealings with the Salford and Manchester registrars, and the service has been brilliant. Polite, helpful, and respectful.Nothing was too much trouble. My deepest thanks.
Terry

no complaints from the Hull registry office i phone them for my certs there in the post same day so i have them by thurs or friday and i live in holland
great service.
Barbara.

I have had dealings with Lambeth in London and they phoned me with a query and were quite helpful, although they didnt actually find what I was looking for.

I sent to Portsmouth, Hanpshire and received certificate quickly.

I sent completed form via internet to Islington London and they returned my form asking a question that I had already answered! I did eventually get the certificate though but after some hassle!

Rosie

I have found Gloucester very good.
All I had was the couple's names and year of marriage.
I did not know which church in Gloucester. They did two searches for me. Also kept me informed by phone of the progress they were making.

Sheila

Just this week, I've sent for certificates from Pontypridd (supplying ref no's) only to be told that they can't find that person. AND I've been charged for the time spent looking for them. Huh !

Hi Sam

If you're looking for Gravesend ancestors try the Medway on line archive - CityArk. It's a bit strange at first but you do get used to it. They have most - if not all - of the Gravesend churches on there.

Could save you a bit of money.

Jill

Stafford doesn't reply to e-mails.

Bradford is very helpful.

Sent off in May to Waltham Forest (Walthamstow) registrary office for 2 death certs with names dates etc supplied, took them 4 months to reply and tell me because of blacklog they didn't have time to look for them!!
Ongar in Essex on the other hand sent 2 back by return of post
Wendy