Durham talk set to bring historical records to life

A County Durham heritage venue is offering residents a chance to explore the stories behind official records that document life’s key moments.

Durham County Council’s The Story will host a talk on April 2 led by superintendent registrar Anne Robson and ceremony coordination team leader Wendy Addison-Smyth, focusing on the history of registration.

The session will explore how the formal recording of births, deaths and marriages began in 1837, creating a system that continues to underpin legal identity and family history research today.

Attendees will learn how records were compiled and shared, with local registrars submitting copies to national authorities, helping to build extensive archives now used by researchers and genealogists.

The talk will also highlight notable County Durham stories captured in these records, including the birth of former England football manager Sir Bobby Robson in Sacriston in 1933 to the deaths of the victims of Mary Ann Cotton, believed to be Britain’s first female serial killer.

By shedding light on the processes behind these documents, the event aims to offer a deeper understanding of how everyday records provide a window into the region’s past.

Carolyn Ball, county archivist and manager at The Story, said: “With more than 40 years’ experience working as one of our registrars, Anne has seen people through some of the biggest changes of their lives, whether that be marrying the love of their life and celebrating the arrival of their children, or registering the loss of a loved one.

“Together, Anne and Wendy will be able to share some fascinating stories from the history of our registration documents. 

“They’ll also have both original historic and modern registers on display for visitors to explore, making for an educational and enlightening evening.”

The talk takes place on Thursday, April 2 from 6pm until 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments.

To book, visit www.thestorydurham.org/whats-on

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