Source:Smethcott, Shropshire, England. Parish Registers, 1609-1997

Description

The first volume, consisting of parchment leaves rebound in leather, commenced from 1612 with a few baptisms from prior years being added. No apparent attempt was made to keep this register in chronological order so that it is in a state of chaos. As someone noted in about 1767, “This register is not regular; this Register is quite puzling; this Register is quite foolish; Bad work indeed. This is the most ill contrived Register, that is in England or Wales, or the Towns of Ber-upon Tweed.”

Inserted into the second volume were four parchment leaves containing entries from 1759 to 1777, a time when the register was neglected. (Note that entries for 1766–1767 can be found in the first volume.) These were collected in 1792 from family Bibles and other sources by the Rev. William Crosse Curtis, curate, at the request of the Bishop.

For a description of the registers, see also “Smethcote Registers” (1900), in the first volume of Shropshire parish registers. Diocese of Lichfield.

Usage Tips

Shropshire Archives has copies of most parish registers available on microfiche. Microfilms may be ordered through the nearest Family History Center.

FHL film numbers

• 1951920 Items 3–8: Baptisms 1609–1876, marriages 1609–1837, and burials 1609–1935

Transcripts

• Bishop's transcripts, 1630–1868
• The registers of Smethcote, Shropshire: 1609–1812. (London: Parish Register Society, 1899)
• “The register of Smethcote.” [1609–1812] Shropshire parish registers. Diocese of Lichfield. Vol. I. (Shropshire Parish Register Society, 1900)

  (Same text as the previous item listed, but contained in a larger volume with multiple parishes.)