Feature Articles - explore some of the history of Essex
Parish Registers at the Essex Record Office
Digital images of some Parish Registers are now available on online at the Essex Record Office.
Unlike the census returns, the availability online of originals of Parish Registers is very unusual which makes it very frustrating for anyone researching their family history, especially if they are often many miles from the relevant Record Office, or even in another country.
The Essex Record Office, however, are making great efforts to have these documents accessible by placing images of them on their website through their online catalogue called SEAX.
A number of registers are now available, most are pre-1700 but there are some later dates available. It is hoped that many more will become available in due course.
Go to SEAX and log-on as a GUEST.
Now you're at the main page. On the right handside navigation, click on 'Essex Ancestors'. Then using the drop-down boxes, navigate your way to the parish and the church you are seeking. A list of registers will then be shown. Those images available online will be labelled 'Digital Images'.
Remember these are not transcripts but the originals. You will have to go through them by date and may have some problems with the writing or poor quality of the image.
While on the subject of images, there are many other gems to find in other digital images provided by the ERO - just search under 'Images'. For instance.
Manor County Primary School, Braintree, junior school Adminission Register which dates from 1894 to 1905 (E/MA 67/2) A wealth of information. Child's name, dob, date admitted, place of birth, parent's name, address, occupation, place last school attended.
The Register of Electors 1918 (C/E 2/1/1) for numerous parishes in Essex listing all those eligible to vote in that parish.
Photographs of the damage caused in the Essex earthquake of 1884 (I/LS/COL/00043 and I/LS/COL/00067)
I hope that this has helped and encouraged your use of this wonderful resource supplied by the Essex Record Office.
Useful links: About the Essex Record Office