Offers an insight into the evolution of official record-keeping in England and Wales during a period of significant change. A comprehensive account of the history of parish registers from 1660 to 1837, which fills a glaring lacuna in the literature. A significant amount of new research has been carried out since the most recent book to cover this topic in any detail was published half a century ago. A History of Parish Registers in England and Wales now makes this area of study accessible to a wider audience, pulling together disparate information into a holistic survey. Remarkably detailed, Wintrip's exposition focuses on the changes in format and content of parish registers between the Restoration and the introduction of civil registration. By considering the nuances of registers during this period, including initiatives for their improvement, it offers an insight into the evolution of official record-keeping in England and Wales during a period of significant change. Well-referenced, A History of Parish Registers promises to be the definitive work on this subject for many years to come.

"The author covers his topic in full and lucid detail. His careful analysis of the variety of practices in different periods, dioceses, and parishes will be invaluable for anyone using the registers and seeking to understand their varied formats." - CHURCH TIMES

"It is great for those just getting started on working with parish registers, who really want to understand their sources... [F]or those who have been working with these records for many years, the many examples and local practice chapters provide invaluable insight of what you may discover in your own geographical areas of research." - PROFESSIONAL FAMILY HISTORY

"Readable, authoritative and meticulously researched. It will be useful for anyone starting to work with earlier parish registers. The combination of the chronological layout, broken into identifiable topics via chapter headings and more focused searching in the index when you come across some inexplicable symbol or abbreviation in a parish register, should cover all bases." - ENGLISH ANCESTORS

"A title that I would heartily recommend as an invaluable addition to every genealogist's bookshelf." - SCOTTISH GENES

"This is a valuable book for beginners, experienced family historians, and professional researchers alike. More than simply a guide to registers, it offers a wide-ranging view of the parish system itself and the socio-historical framework within which records were created and maintained." - EMMA JOLLY