Bishops transcripts

Bishops Transcripts are copies of baptisms, marriages and burials entries from parish registers which were made by vicars for the bishop of their diocese every year. The practice of compiling Bishops Transcripts was adopted in 1598. During the Commonwealth period (1648-1660) very few transcripts were made. By the mid 19th century the practice was dying out.

Contact us on archives@sheffield.gov.uk for more information, to book appointments or order archival materials.

Location of records

Transcripts are normally held by the Diocesan Record Office for the Diocese concerned.

Before the creation of the Diocese of Sheffield in 1914 most of the parishes here were within the Deanery of Doncaster in the Diocese of York, original transcripts are therefore held by theBorthwick Institute for Archives.

Sheffield Archives holds microfilm copies of those transcripts for parishes which now lie within the boundaries of South Yorkshire.

Ordering documents

We strongly advise that you book a fiche or film reader in advance of your visit contact Sheffield Archives.

Copies

We can normally supply copies for private study purposes, subject to the usual copyright regulations. Please contact us for further information.