Radnorshire Baptisms

Each result includes both a transcript and an image of the original record. The information available in each record varies due to changes made over the centuries as to which details should be recorded for baptisms. Additionally, the legibility of some records may be very poor. However, most transcripts will include a combination of the following information.

• Name
• Birth date
• Baptism date
• Father’s name
• Mother’s name
• Place
• County and country

You will often find additional information by viewing the image of the record. Some of the details you can discover are

• Abode (Residence)
• Trade or profession – in most cases refers to the child’s father
• Who performed the ceremony

** Radnorshire**

Radnorshire is one of 13 historic Welsh counties and a former administrative county. It borders Montgomeryshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Breconshire, and Cardiganshire. The administrative county was created under the Local Government Act 1888 and was abolished two years after the Local Government Act 1972, with its area being transferred to the newly formed county of Powys. Powys was split into three districts, namely, Montgomeryshire, Breconshire, and Radnorshire. When Powys became a unitary authority in 1996, Radnorshire was one of three areas established under a decentralization scheme. A shire committee made up of councillors elected for electoral divisions within the former district of Radnorshire carries out functions delegated by Powys County Council.

Patronymic naming system

This collection includes records that use the patronymic naming system. This system started in Wales in the 15th century and lasted through to the mid-18th century. It is the practice of using the father’s first name as the child’s surname. Usually, ab or ap is added between the child’s first name and the father’s first name. For example, William Ap David is William son of David. The patronymic naming system can affect your genealogical research. We would recommend searching by your relative’s first name and birth year without the family’s surname. Then narrow your search from those results.

• Begin your search broadly with just a name and year.

• If needed, you can narrow your results by adding additional search criteria such as a place or parent’s name.

• Explore the image linked to your ancestor’s transcript. It may provide additional details about your ancestor’s baptism.