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The Phillimore Atlas and Index of Parish Registers - Hardback Book Reviews

4.8 Rating 28 Reviews
Read S&N Genealogy Reviews

This guide to parish registers, now in its third edition, and covering England, Scotland and Wales, is a vital, time-saving tool that has become universally known as 'the genealogist's bible'.

The Atlas includes the famous county 'parish' maps, which show pre-1832 parochial boundaries, colour-coded probate jurisdictions, starting dates of surviving registers, and churches and chapels, where relevant.

Topographical maps face each 'parish' map, and show the contemporary road system and other local features, to help deduce the likely movement of people beyond the searcher's starting point.

The Index lists the parishes, with grid references to the county maps. It indicates the present whereabouts of original registers and copies, and whether a parish is included in other indexes. It also gives registration districts and census information.

Thus, in this invaluable guide, the user may quickly find answers to such questions as: Have the registers been deposited? Where may they be found? What outside dates do they cover? Have they been copied or indexed and by whom?

The main improvements in the 3rd edition are:

The Atlas has been digitised, and is therefore much better printed.

The Index has been updated to 2003 (from 1994).

The Index has 'lost' two columns of obscure indexes, in place of which details of census indexes and registration districts are included.

About S&N Genealogy:

S&N Genealogy Supplies is the largest UK genealogy publisher and retailer, with over two decades of experience serving the needs of computer-based family historians. Founded in 1992, we publish and retail a broad range of family history research material, software, books, binders, and much more. We offer the widest choice of family history software and data CDs and are determined to provide you with the highest quality and keenest prices.

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Not quite up to date but full of useful information and I understandably checked a few known details which no doubt will be updated in the next edition - family history resources are very dynamic and are bound to see continuous change. Not insurmountable because it is such a good starting point for research. Always wanted a Phillimore's. Now I have one and at a reasonable price. Thank you S&N.
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Posted 7 years ago
A comprehensive reference book that will outlive me!
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Posted 7 years ago
Very interesting will take s lot of bedtime reading to get through it!!!
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Posted 7 years ago
It is what it says it is, an index of parish registers
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Posted 7 years ago
It is an excellent book, however some parishes I am researching do appear to be in the book, It could very well be user error I will persevere.
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Posted 7 years ago
Indexes are brilliant although I have to say I would have preferred them to have been with the map of the county concerned rather than in a separate part of the book, but of course that comes down to personal preference. Having the topology map of the county alongside a more clear cut version of the map was I think unnecessary and perhaps these would have been better served in a separate section especially as some of the maps on one page were not necessarily presented in the same manner. I would liked to have seen the simple maps perhaps a bit bigger and certainly the writing as it is difficult to read without a spy glass and when you wear glasses as well, the decision whether or not to use a spy glass with or without them is a pain. The writing in the grids is way to small and even with my reading glasses is impossible to read without the aid of a spy glass, which frankly I do find ridiculous. These would have been served better on a separate page. Again this is down to personal choice and should not distract other potential purchasers of what is a fascinating book
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Posted 7 years ago
Contents much more than anticipated. Coverage for England & Wales excellent. However, coverage for Scotland & Ireland could be increased.
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Posted 7 years ago
Just the book I have wanted
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Posted 8 years ago