Baptism Registers, 1826

These baptism registers from the Glynarthen Independent Chapel in Glynarthen, Penbryn, Cardiganshire, are held by The National Archives (RG4/3053) and on all the main subscription websites

1 In What Parish Born

There are families listed from six parishes, the furthest nine miles distant. At the time this would have required a long journey to chapel for the baptism.

2 When Born

Birthdates are more likely in chapel records than in parish registers.

3 Parents’ Names

The inclusion of the mother’s maiden name is a bonus for research before the introduction of civil registration in 1837.

4 Abode

It’s useful to compare the information here with that on the census, since it’s more likely to be recorded correctly by a native speaker of Welsh.

5 Business Or Profession

This is another helpful clue that can help a family historian to sort out the correct set of Evanses or Thomases.

6 Signature Of Parents

In each case the minister who performed the baptism has clearly signed the register on the parents’ behalf, probably because they were illiterate.