The Imperfect Condition of the O.P.R.’s.

[Currie]

The Imperfect Condition of the O.P.R.’s.

Here are books by two gentlemen advocating the introduction of Statutory Registration in Scotland. They make quite interesting reading and could be useful.

1. Sketch of the history and imperfect condition of the parochial Records of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Scotland. By George Seton – 1854.

http://books.google.com/books?id=BZsHAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA2

Details the situation and the cause of it all.

2. Scottish Parochial Registers: Memoranda of the State of the Parochial registers of Scotland. By William Barclay Turnbull - 1849

http://books.google.com/books?id=aCELAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA3

Details periods covered by existing records for each and every parish and comments on their completeness. This information may be available elsewhere but possibly not in one volume.

See also information from G.R.O.S.

http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/famrec/h ... r-cov.html
http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/famrec/hlpsrch/opr.html

Alan

[SarahND]

Thanks for posting that, Alan!
I had seen something like it at New Register House, but didn't realize there was a downloadable copy out there It's a valuable reference work to have on hand. I believe the one at NRH has corrections and additions that may not be obvious on this old copy (I noted one right away that stated there were no death records in a parish where I know I have found them) but this is a good basis, which can then be checked on the GROS site.
Regards,
Sarah