Marriage - historical searches
Since 1538 each parish in England has kept a register of
marriages which have taken place in the parish. Although many of
the earliest registers have not survived, registers are an
important source of information prior to civil registration in
1837. Between 1753 and 1837 all marriages, with the exception of
Jews and Quakers had to take place in the Parish Church.
Church Records
Local Studies collections contain church records not only for
the established church but also non conformist churches. The Local
Studies Centre at Touchstones Rochdale also has the St Catherine's
House Index on microfilm.
Newspapers
Newspapers often contain marriage announcements. Each Local
Studies Library holds microfilmed copies of local newspapers for
their area. These include:
- The Rochdale Observer 1856 onwards,
- Heywood Advertiser 1850 onwards,
- Middleton Guardian
- Various other local newspapers.