Family history research - adoptions

[HGKinsey]

I am trying to find information about my grandfather who was born in the 1870s. All the usual sources (census returns etc.) have drawn a blank leading to an assumption that he may have been adopted. Can someone tell me what my chances are of tracking him down. I need to know if there were formal adoption procedures in those days, and if so, would there be any records which I could search etc. ?

[Jaybee]

Have you tried contacting the Family Records Centre in London? (Can't recall the phone number offhand, but you could google for them.)

[HGKinsey]

Good idea Jaybee. I have just visited their website as a result of your suggestion and have sent them an email. Thanks for your help.

[melandraf]

The Church of the latter Day Saints (Mormons) are very big on genealogy and have really quite extensive records.... Their computer system is open to all so if you can find your local chirch in the phone book you may have some luck there...

[HGKinsey]

Thanks Melandraf, there's a Church about two miles from me. I'm feeling positive about this!

[nancyn]

A copy of your grandparents marriage certificate would help, it would give the names of the fathers of the couple, addresses, and ages. To trace family it is easier working backwards, father to son, and downwards. You would find them somewhere on a Census entry. Good luck.