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Archiver > GENBRIT > 1999-10 > 0938898483


From: Brenda Paternoster< >
Subject: Re: Copyright Issues
Date: Sat, 2 Oct 1999 22:08:03 +0100


On Fri 1 Oct 1999 (23:49:18), wrote:
>> How can parish registers NOT be in the public domain...
>
>When they are in the hands of a local parson who REFUSES to allow
>anyone
>access to them. There is one such near here!
>
I've always thought that anyone has a legal right to see any parish register -
if it's still in the care of the incumbant than he HAS to provide access at 'a
reasonable time' and by prior arrangement. If he's really difficult he may
stand breathing down your neck, or even forbid you to handle the book and turn
the pages for you! but he has to allow you sight of it, though I'm not sure
about what fee he can legally charge for the priviledge.

Brenda in Kent
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