Understanding and Using the GRO Index Reference for Family History
The GRO (General Register Office) index reference is a crucial tool for anyone undertaking family history research in England and Wales. It helps you pinpoint a specific birth, marriage, or death record and is essential for ordering the corresponding certificate. This guide explains what the GRO index reference is and how you can use it to find the records you need.
What is a GRO Index Reference?
A GRO index reference is a unique identifier for a birth, marriage, or death registered in England and Wales. It is not the same as a serial or application number. The reference indicates the year, quarter, and district where the event was registered. A typical reference looks like this: ‘March 1954 2a 222,’ where the district name is also given as a “volume number.”
Key points to remember:
- The GRO index reference number will not be shown on copies of the certificate.
- If you don’t have the reference number, you can still order a certificate, but it may take longer and incur an administration charge.
Accessing the GRO Indexes
The GRO indexes are an important resource for family history. There are several ways to access them:
Online Indexes:
- GRO Website: A number of indexes are available to search for free on the GRO website.
- Birth records: 1837 up to 100 years ago, and 1984 up to the current year.
- Death records: 1837 to 1957, and 1984 up to the current year.
- Other Websites: You can also view GRO indexes on other websites, such as https://www.freebmd.org.uk, which provides free access to records up to 1983.
Microfiche and CD ROM:
- A complete set of GRO Indexes is available in microfiche format at several libraries and archives, including:
- The British Library
- The Library of Birmingham
- Manchester Central Library
- And others (check with your local library).
- Some public libraries and other organizations also hold full or partial sets of the indexes on microfiche or CD ROM.
Please note: While the indexes are available for public searching, the records themselves are not. Information can only be provided in the form of a certificate.
Questions & Answers: A Guide to Searching the Indexes
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you with your search:
Q1. From what date are the references available?
The earliest birth, marriage, and death registrations for England and Wales date from 1 July 1837 (the September quarter of 1837).
Q2. What information do I need to find the index number?
To search the GRO online indexes, you will need the event type, the year it was registered, the individual’s sex, and their surname. Additional details like a forename or mother’s maiden name can help narrow your search.
Q3. How are the indexes organized?
- Microfiche indexes: Entries are listed alphabetically by surname, then forename. They are arranged by year and then by the quarter in which the event was registered.
- Online indexes: Results are returned by year, surname, forename, and quarter.
Q4. What information will I see in the indexes?
The format has changed over the years, but at a minimum, the index will provide:
- Surname and forename
- Year and quarter of registration
- Registration district
- Index reference number
Q5. Is there anything else I should be aware of when searching?
Remember to check for alternative spellings of names. A birth can be registered in the quarter after it took place, and a death may be registered many months after the event. If you don’t find what you are looking for straight away, check several indexes.
Q6. What are unrelated marriages?
When searching marriage indexes, it’s a good practice to cross-reference the names of both partners to ensure the page/entry numbers are the same. For example, in a marriage between Michael Harrison and Mary Jenkins, the same page/entry number will be listed under both of their names.