PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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Although the registration of births, deaths and marriages commenced on July 1st 1837, there was no such thing as a Register Office until the local administration of the system was transferred to the local authorities, as required by the Local Government Act 1929. However, the original legislation in 1836 did require that an office be provided for the Superintendent Registrar because he was required to officiate at marriages. It is not yet known where these premises were but in Plymouth these do not appear to have acquired the title of Register Offices. However, in later years Mr Albert Gard's office in St Aubyn Street, Devonport, was known as the Register Office. The registrars of births and deaths mostly worked from their homes and until 1875 were required to travel around their districts to the places where the events actually occurred. After that date it became the responsibility of those involved to report the events to the Registrar. It was only in July 1937, after the appointment of Mr Walter Naylor as Superintendent Registrar, that Plymouth amalgamated the registration districts of Devonport and East Stonehouse in to one Register Office at 40 Whimple Street, Plymouth. It was open on Mondays to Fridays from 9.30am to 1pm and again from 2.30 to 4.30pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 12 Moon. Registration of Births and Deaths could be made on Mondays and Fridays between 10am and 1pm and 5.30 until 8pm; on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am to 1pm and 2.30 until 5pm; on Wednesdays from 10am until 1pm and on Saturdays between 10am and 12 Noon. When those premises were destroyed during the Second World War the Register Office moved to Thorn Park at Mutley, then to Belle Vue Place at North Road and Portland Villas, before moving to its present location in Lockyer Street, near Plymouth Hoe. The current Plymouth Register Office in Lockyer Street was opened on Wednesday April 7th 1982 by the Registrar General, Mr Roger Thatcher. A commemorative plaque was then unveiled by Councillor George Creber, chairman of Devon County Council. Also present was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor John Pascoe, and the then Chief Superintendent Registrar of Plymouth, Mr Dan Galliford. Messrs Carkeek and Sons Ltd, were the contractors. The building was designed by staff at the Devon County Architect's office and cost £381,619.
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