Using the ARK - Births, deaths and marriages

The registers record details of baptisms, burials and marriages. Although referred to as the 'Pre-1856' or 'Old Records', some entries relating to baptisms, burials or marriages up to 1901 are also included.

These registers are arranged primarily by Registry Volume Number, Nos. 1-123. Within this arrangement, the following is a general breakdown:

In addition, the microfilms also contain some other records which do not fall into this numbering sequence. These are:

These volumes have been included in the set of microfilms for the sake of completeness; all entries located in them also appear in other Registry volumes.

A full description and listing of these records is available in Short Guide 4.

Indexes

Online Indexes are available to search via the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website:
* Births 1788+
* Deaths 1788+
* Marriages 1788+

Microfiche copies of the Pioneer series of Indexes to Births, Deaths and Marriages, 1788-1888, Federation series of Indexes to Births, Deaths and Marriages, 1889-1918 and NSW Between the wars series of Indexes to Death and Marriage, 1919-1945 are available from the:

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages 
GPO Box 30 SYDNEY NSW 2001
Website: www.bdm.nsw.gov.au

In looking for a particular entry relating to a pre-1856 baptism, burial or marriage which may be found in the registers on these microfilms, the portion of the microfiche Index which relates to the pre-1856 period should first be consulted. This will give a reference to volume and entry number.

The Summary Listing or the Detailed Listing in Short Guide 4 should then be consulted to locate the appropriate microfilm reel for the register.

If, in consulting the microfiche indexes for the pre-1856 records, the relevant reference is to a volume number other than Registry Volume Numbers 1 to 123, the researcher should approach the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, which holds these records.

Item list

This is a summary shelf list provided for quick reference only. As these records are complex and difficult to use it is strongly suggested that the registers be used in conjunction with Short Guide 4, which gives much more detailed information about their arrangement.

(2 rolls of 35mm microfilm)
Reels 2232-2233

The volumes contain reports from coroners on inquests held throughout the Colony, including a few held in Van Diemen's Land and one at Port Macquarie. The deaths were mostly caused by drowning, apoplexy or a Visitation of God. There are also occasional murders, thieves killed in the course of a robbery and spearings by Aborigines (mostly in the Bathurst district).

Index

Check the online Index to Coroners' Inquests, 1796-1824

The volumes have been indexed by State Records-entries have been made for the deceased and witnesses but not for the Coroners and members of the Jury. A list of the entries made for each volume is located in the front of each.

Item List