Triplets, Quads and Quins – Historical records in the UK

Until the summer of 1938 no statistics were officially gathered on the numbers of births and mortality rates of triplets, quadruplets [or more] registered in England and Wales. It is therefore extremely difficult to identify higher order multiples [HOMs] prior to this date. Coupled with the fact that English and Welsh birth certificates do not routinely indicate that a child is part of a multiple birth [though a time of birth is sometimes a clue, but not in all cases], and the mortality rate considerably higher than that of singletons,  it is exceptionally hard to identify HOMs in historical records.

This new site is being developed to aid researchers to identify these events. For some this is to ‘cross the ‘t’s and dot the ‘i’s, and aid completeness of a family tree, for some it is just fascination, for others there may be curiosity about the potential for inheriting the likelihood of parenting HOMs in the future. For the latter see Types of multiples – the biology.

FREE!

The records on this site are transcriptions and are FREE to access.

Communal knowledge

It is hoped that this site will become a one-stop-shop for all things related to HOMs born before 1938, genealogical records, articles, images and news for example. If you have material you are happy to contribute for others to freely access, or have knowledge of other useful resources, please use the contact form.