Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We’d also like to set analytics cookies to help us understand how our site is used.

For more information about the cookies we use, see our cookies page.


Cookie settings

To change cookie settings at anytime, see our cookie settings page.


Necessary cookies

We need to use some cookies to provide essential functionality, such as, security and accessibility. These are called necessary cookies. You can disable them by changing your browser preferences, but our site might not function correctly without them.

Skip to main content

Was your ancestor illegitimate? How to find out more

A look at the range of sources available for researching illegitimacy in Herefordshire's archives


Illegitimacy Birth Certificate Manuscript

The mothers of illegitimate children in the past were generally treated brutally by today's standards. Clare O'Grady will share the sometimes harrowing evidence for the role that public bodies played in this practice from the 17th century onwards, and show what you can expect to find in the records.

Tickets can be booked on our Eventbrite page 


  • Date: Monday 12 October 2026
  • Location: Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre Fir Tree Lane Hereford HR2 6LA
  • Cost: £12
  • Time: 11am - 1pm