St Mary's, Stockton- baptism questions- 1897

[LittleMissP]

Hi all,

I am wondering whether an illegitimate child of one of the daughter's of an Irish Catholic family (daughter and illegitimate grandchild both born in England) would have been allowed to be baptised in the family's church?

The reason I ask is because I would like to find the baptism record of Florence Gillespie (b1897 in Stockton) as I'm hoping (slim hope) that the father may be on the baptism record (he's not on the birth certificate). Mother was Margaret Gillespie and gave birth at Bone Street in Stockton. The family seemed to have marriages in St Mary's Catholic church in Stockton. The thing is I can't find any online baptism records this late for this church and can't really travel up to Stockton from London just on the off chance! Can't think of any other way of finding out the father of Florence- any ideas? I know it might be an impossible task. Florence was my great grandmother though, so would love to find out if I can.

Any ideas or help appreciated.

Thanks,
Paula

[arthurk]

Before you make a trip, I suggest you contact Teesside Archives (http://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/leisure-and-culture/archives/), where the registers for St Mary's are held. They may well be able to do a quick search and/or provide a copy for much less than the cost of your journey.

Arthur

[LittleMissP]

Thanks Arthur, I've had a look at their website and they offer a research service and hoping that I can get the info I need for £10- fingers crossed now!