Genealogy Chat

Can someone tell me how still births in the UK were treated in the 1880s and 90s? Are they recorded in the same way as any other birth with perhaps a joint birth and death certificate? And what about babies that perhaps died within weeks of being born?

Any information very welcome.

Hi Fiona,

the stillbirth register did not start until 1927 so during the time frame you are looking for they would not have been registered. Babies born alive however, even if they only lived for minutes or hours would be registered in the normal way so would have both a birth and death certificate. I hope this helps.

Caz

I think when the 1911 census comes out couples are asked in that to state how many children the marriage has produced, both still living and dead, so you can see if a couple had any children that died. I think it wasn't required they write the names and details of the deceased children, but I know some did.

Hi, yes to clarify I think you are right Robert it was only to include children born alive. That said, because 1911 census was the first householders filled out themselves, I'm finding (with the only several sheets I've seen so far) some folk wrote more than they had to when it came to things like this.

Thanks very much for all that useful information everyone. Much appreciated.
Fiona