Bastardy and Illegitimate records
My GG grandfather, John Charles Clayton Winder, born 27 April 1850 in Lancaster, England has no father listed on his birth certificate. I've researched under the assumption that he is illegitimate. After months of research I have narrowed down his biological father as William Clayton, born 7 January 1807. I have many records and facts leading to William including 2 possible DNA matches of descendants that are related to me, but it only shows 60-75% proof according to AI chats I use. What I need is a Bastardy or Illegitimate record showing the father for conclusive proof. I have tried to find the records for Lancaster, England at St. Mary or any other church near the area but I'm coming up short. If anyone would care to help me find the appropriate bastardy records, or does DNA matching, I can provide a lot of data. I hope someone can help as it's been my brick wall for years. Thank you.
Answers
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I typed "lancashire bastardly records" into Google, which took me to this page:
lancashire bastardly records - Google Search
Perhaps you should contact Lancashire Archives (by email or phone) and ask them if any of their holdings would cover your query. As you will see from using the link above, Ancestry appears to have material covering the county, too.
The webpage for Lancashire Archives is at:
Our collections - Lancashire County Council
I would warn, from my general experience in dealing with such records, that it is unlikely that material as late as 1850 will be commonly found and (reading the page below) appear to be mainly found in Petty Sessions Court records, rather than those kept within the parish.
how recently were bastardy record kept in england - Google Search
(The wonders of Google's "AI Overview" tool!)
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At times it's best to get with the people at Family Search in your area. They will point you in the best direction.
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