The increase of non conformist churches, whose clergy were not bound by the laws already in place, led to a House of Commons Committee recommending the introduction of a national system of registration and the introduction of a civil marriage.

On the 1st July 1837 the new Registration Service began. On that date 2193 Registrars of Births and Deaths and 619 Superintendent Registrars took quill in hand and made the first entries in the new registers. This compares with current levels of 1026 Registrars of Births and Deaths and 380 Superintendent Registrars.

From its introduction in 1837 to 1929 the local service was administered by the Poor Law Board of Guardians. In 1929 that responsibility was transferred to local Government.

Since then occasional small amendments have been possible, such as giving the informant the facility to register a death by declaration, with the details then being sent on to the District where the death occurred.

In 1995 the Marriage Act was amended to allow the County Council to licence other venues for civil marriage ceremonies. This has led to thousands of places being licensed across the country - from a Vineyard to University Colleges to Hotels, Stately Homes and Castles