R.C Baptisms Birkenhead.

[Yvonnesuz]

I have just got two gt uncle's and a gt aunt birth cert.
Two were born at Dock Cottages and one Vine St. Birkenhead when born.
William Robinson 1863
Mary Ann Robinson 1858
Rosanna Robinson 1861

The family were Roman Catholic and parents came from IRELAND, married Liverpool but the marriage register although stating parents names did not give a clue to where in Ireland..

What I am hoping to find is the children's baptisms? and possibly they may give Godparents and through them perhaps a clue.

The only RC churches I can find of that period in Birkenhead are
Birkenhead, St. Werburgh (Roman Catholic), Grange Road. Founded 1834.

Birkenhead, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and St. Edward the Confessor (Roman Catholic), Cavendish Street. Founded 1854.

Birkenhead, St. Laurence (Roman Catholic), Beckwith Street. Founded 1864.

Unless anyone knows anything different, and perhaps someone may know which is likely to be the one they were baptised at.

Another question - Does anyone know if the RC baptisms are still with the Churches in Birkenhead and if not will they be at Chester RO?

First time I have crossed the Mersey for family!!


Yvonne

[Wirral]

Sorry, I have only just seen this request. :) I don't think there are any RC records at Birkenhead. Try ringing Chester & Cheshire Archives. They will know where they are. Unlike CofE baptisms, RC baptisms give the name of the godparent/s. Sometimes the RC church marriage entry gives the actual parish where the bride or groom came from. Or even the name of the mother as well as the father.
Have you found all possible family members in the censuses? Sometimes you strike lucky & find just one who names where they came from.

[Colin Moretti]

Michael GANDY has written a series of very useful booklets Catholic Missions and Registers, 1700-1880; there are six slim volumes covering the UK. They list all known RC churches, missions, etc, what registers survive, where they are located and if any transcriptions exist. Quite a few registers are still with the Parish Priest.

Colin