On May 16, 2:03=A0pm, Alasdair wrote:
> On Thu, 15 May 2008 22:28:37 GMT, Alex Threlfall
>
> wrote:
> >2) A "fake" signing is then held with the photographer getting first go,
> >they normally cover the entries above the current one with a piece of
> >paper to protect the privacy of the previous couple. Then everyone else
> >gets a go.
>
> I don't understand the logic of this. =A0A marriage register is a public
> document not a private or confidential one.
The personal data in it is at best ambiguous for the purposes of being
copied by members of the public.
More likely the Crown wants its =A37 per entry copied and seems
determined to protect its copyright. Hence the stricter instructions
to register offices. It has pretty much always been this way in
churches.
The vicar is entitled to charge you to look at the current register
too. Historic ones are usually available at County records offices to
inspect free of charge (although some may not be copied at all). And
anything after 1837 you can get from BMD once you have the appropriate
reference details on payment of =A37.
It seems noone knows where or when this rule was codified. I looked in
the references posted but didn't spot it.
Regards,
Martin Brown |