These are essential to ensure that you have linked a child to the correct parents, especially if the surname is a common one. It is also sometimes the only way you will discover the maiden name of the mother, which in turn will enable you to locate the marriage certificate of the parents. Make sure you order the full birth certificate. Sometimes relatives may still be in possession of a short certificate, giving only basic information. The full birth certificate in England and Wales should give you the following information:

• Date and place of birth
• Forenames
• Sex
• Name and surname of father
• Name and maiden surname of mother
• Occupation of father
• Signature, description and residence of informant