Adoption - Didsbury circa 1911

[TheAngrysheep]

I am trying to sort out paperwork for a Herbert Richards b 1905 to Grace and John Richards he was adopted by Henry Seth and Elizabeth Didsbury around 1911 when Grace died (we think). He emigrated in 1923 travelling as Herbert Didsbury .... we are trying to find some proof of name change --- would that exist?

[Nicolina]

perhaps he never knew his real identity, if he was raised by the Didsburys as their own son.

[Procat]

I am trying to sort out paperwork for a Herbert Richards b 1905 to Grace and John Richards he was adopted by Henry Seth and Elizabeth Didsbury around 1911 when Grace died (we think). He emigrated in 1923 travelling as Herbert Didsbury .... we are trying to find some proof of name change --- would that exist?

The National Archives has a page about change of name (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/changeofname.htm?WT.lp=rg-3180).

Looking at the information it has it is unlikely you will find a record of a name change.

In addition, until 1927 there was no formal adoption process in the U.K.

[Mutley]

What area are we talking about?
There is a death registration for Grace Richards in Leigh, Lancashire in Sept 1911. Could this be her, she was age 46?

[Mutley]

If Leigh is the place, there is a Herbert Richards in April 1911, the son of John and Grace born 1906 in Atherton. His siblings are John 1892, Ellen 1895 and Grace 1897. Parents were married for 23 years and were living at 23 Earl Street, Atherton.
(record held TNA, crown copyright.)

[TheAngrysheep]

Thanks - I can confirm that these are the details we have including his birth certificate - Bert knew who his natural parents were .... in 1923 he and his cousins and aunt went to Canada and his grand-daughter would like to claim ancestry rights but needs to prove that Bert Didsbury and Bert Richards are one and the same ... but thanks anyway ...