Parish records

Parish records are a great source for checking historical information about baptisms, marriages and burials.

Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives is the Diocesan Record Office for the Diocese of Manchester. Central Library cares for the historical records and registers of parishes, including those of redundant parishes.

Most parish registers of the Diocese of Manchester (including Manchester Cathedral) are now available online at ancestry.co.uk.

This includes digitised original registers and a name index of baptisms (1500s-1915), marriages (1500s-1930) and burials (1500s-1985). Free access to ancestry.co.uk is available from any Manchester City Council library. Parish registers are not always complete and in some cases, registers are still held by parishes.

Archives+ Heritage Collections Manager
Community and Cultural Services
Growth and Neighbourhoods Directorate
Manchester City Council

Central Library
PO BOX 532
Albert Square
Manchester
M60 2LA

Tel: 0161 234 1979
Email: archiveslocalstudies@manchester.gov.uk
Website: www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries

Click here for information on preserving the heritage of your parish.