Hi,

I think someone im researching changed their name between 1881 - 1891. Im pretty sure actually from looking at the census returns in question. Is there anyway I can check/look into this? Is there some kind of name change register?

Ive only been using B M & D certificates so far.. im new to family research!

Cheers

ps. talking about England

It is unlikely you will find any formal record. It was (and still is) the case that, under English common law, one can call oneself anything one likes, provided that there is no fraudulent intent.

As time has gone by, the obsession with documentary proof of identity has somewhat overshadowed this principle. In the early 20th century, a person wishing to change their name might well have inserted a notice in a newspaper to that effect. Nowadays Deed Poll would be the normal route, but even this is normally a purely private arrangements and no public records are kept.

Why don't you post your troublesome names and see if another pair of eyes can wheedle out the truth?

Thanks for the reply!

I know what happened now. The lady in question was born a TATTERSALL , then sometime after her mum re-married and when she was around 19 she changed her name to BRADLEY (her mothers new spouse's name). Then later on in life she married a HEMINGWAY!

It seems people changed their names willy nilly back in the days!

Sorted. Thanks to 4 census returns in consecutive years!