adoption c mid 1800s

[perseus]

Hi
I have a will in which the writer mentions his adopted son. Nowhere on the censuses was there a mention of the 'boy'. I had found him on censuses through looking for other family members, but did not know at that point of the relationship.It therefore was interesting to read of him in the will.
Would an adoption be likely to be a 'legal' event?
Could I find out anything about the 'adoption'?

Lots of loose ends which I keep returning to every now and again.

Appreciate any help.

[hughar]

Legal adoption began in England & Wales on 1 January 1927. Before this date there was no central registration and informal fostering within the family was commonplace. There was normally no record of these private arrangements although you may find information in an adopter's will. If the adoption was made through the Poor Law Union or a charity such as Dr Barnado's, then there may be evidence amongst the records of the organisation concerned.

[perseus]

Thanks Hughar

I'm going to recheck censuses and try and find the 'lad' on earlier censues than the two I have i.e.1881,1891 and 1901.On the 1881 he was in Liverpool, an apprentice chemist, and married with a son. I'll see where he was in 1871 & 1861.
Joseph Harriman his 'father' was born and lived in Wolverhampton.
Thanks for your help.