Returns of Roman Catholics

[MaryA]

Thanks to Pegasus for this link.
Between 1680 and 1781, Parliament requested information about known or reputed Roman Catholics on a number of occasions. This information was laid before the House of Lords and survives in the Parliamentary Archives.

In most cases individual names of people were not recorded but in some instances, especially in 1767, they were. If your ancestor was a Roman Catholic and you know where they lived in 1767, you might want to consult the Roman Catholic returns (historically known as 'Papist' Returns).

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publi ... catholics/

[MaryA]

And also thanks to Blue70 for the following about finding the original in the Liverpool Record Office.

"It was a bit tricky finding it as it was not in the right place and the number system is a bit confusing. If anyone needs directions let me know. It's in the Piction room up one of the narrow staircases. There are two slim green coloured volumes "Chester" and "except Chester". Lancs is in the Chester volume.

The information does consist of full names, usually all family members, there are ages, occupations, sometimes how long they've lived there and sometimes where they came from. Some addresses they are grouped by district ie Liverpool, West Derby, Childwall etc."

[Blue70]

There must be well over 2000 names in these population returns for just Liverpool and surrounding areas. I'm compiling an index for Liverpool and environs that I'll eventually put online.


Blue

[MaryA]

Well done! that'll be a labour of love.