Baptism records

[Muggins in Sussex]

Was just looking at some baptism records on Ancestry.

Why is is that some have space to record the date of birth and some don't?

[Margaret in Burton]

Depends what date they are. After 1813 the form was standardised but the vicar filled in what they wanted, some added more info than others.

It's all down to how thorough the vicar was and a bit of luck to get the date of birth.

[Muggins in Sussex]

Thanks, Marg

I was just puzzled because I found this one 1892 http://search.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/Default.aspx?htx=View&r=5538&dbid=1558&iid=31280_196173-00136&fn=Henry+William&ln=Wicks&st=r&ssrc=pt_t45875_p-1172739925_kpidz0q3d-1172739925z0q26pgz0q3d32768z0q26pgPLz0q3dpid&pid=2092123

and this one 1897
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=View&r=5538&dbid=1558&iid=31280_194841-00310&fn=Alfred+Stanley&ln=Coase&st=r&ssrc=&pid=1949080

[Margaret in Burton]

Oh I see what you mean, it actually has date of birth printed at the top of the form where it says "by whom the ceremony was performed"

Never seen that before.

[Muggins in Sussex]

Oh I see what you mean, it actually has date of birth printed at the top of the form where it says "by whom the ceremony was performed"

Never seen that before.

I hadn't seen it before, either, Marg - but it's very handy! :)

[maggie_4_7]

I've seen different 'forms' of baptism where there was a column for date of birth and it isn't always filled in and earlier ones where there wasn't but they have scribbled it either next to the date of baptism column or on the other end under the registrars name. I suppose early on they didn't think the date of birth was as important as the date of baptism! :) but seemed some individuals did which is good.

As another point on some later ones I have also seen a column for 'Sponsor' which I liked because it gave another name usually someone in the close or extended family.

[Margaret in Burton]

I've seen different 'forms' of baptism where there was a column for date of birth and it isn't always filled in and earlier ones where there wasn't but they have scribbled it either next to the date of baptism column or on the other end under the registrars name. I suppose early on they didn't think the date of birth was as important as the date of baptism! :) but seemed some individuals did which is good.

As another point on some later ones I have also seen a column for 'Sponsor' which I liked because it gave another name usually someone in the close or extended family.

Catholic ones are good as they usually name the Godparents as well.

[Nell]

As with all records, its potluck what information you get. I've found early baptisms that give date of birth, mother's maiden name and the family "abode" as well as father's occupation, and later ones that just give father's name and are much less informative.