What is the IGI?
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What is the IGI?
IGI stands for International Genealogical Index. This is an index to births/baptisms and marriages worldwide, compiled by the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Although sometimes called the Mormon index, entries are not restricted to members of the Mormon Church. In fact, the births, baptisms and marriages included are those recorded in parish and nonparochial registers.
The earliest record included is 1538, but very few registers survive from as far back as this. The most recent records to be found on the IGI date from approximately 1875, which was when civil registration of births and marriages, first introduced in 1837, was made compulsory in England and Wales.
Although sometimes called the Mormon index, entries are not restricted to members of the Mormon Church. In fact, the births, baptisms and marriages included are those recorded in parish and nonparochial registers.
The earliest record included is 1538, but very few registers survive from as far back as this. The most recent records to be found on the IGI date from approximately 1875, which was when civil registration of births and marriages, first introduced in 1837, was made compulsory in England and Wales.
What information does the IGI give?
Within each county index: - surnames are given in alphabetical order
- within surnames, in forename order
- within forenames, by date.
Most entries provide:
- name
- names of parents (for baptisms)
- name of spouse (for marriages)
- sex
- type of event
b = birth
c = christening/baptism
m = marriage - date
- place
- LDS ordinance dates
- batch and serial numbers for tracing the original document.
How is the IGI arranged?
The IGI is arranged in a series of separate county indexes for each of the old (pre-1974) counties of England. - London is indexed with Middlesex.
- A single index covers the Isle of Wight, and another the Channel Islands.
- Wales is unique in having two indexes, one arranged by surname, one by forename. This covers the Welsh system of naming, i.e. Owen ap Madoc ap Evan, being the son of Madoc ap Evan ap Iolo.
- The amount of records indexed for each county varies. Some are better covered than others. To find out which records have been included, look in the Parish and Vital records listing.
How do I use the IGI?
The IGI is kept in the Ground Floor Library. Please ask the staff if you would like to use it.
A microfiche reader/printer is available if you wish to print copies.
FamilySearch, the CD-ROM version of the IGI (1993 edition) and addendum disks to 1997 are also available at the library - a booking system is in operation for this service.
A microfiche reader/printer is available if you wish to print copies.
FamilySearch, the CD-ROM version of the IGI (1993 edition) and addendum disks to 1997 are also available at the library - a booking system is in operation for this service.
The IGI can also be searched online at: www.familysearch.org
As well as the International Genealogical Index, a wealth of other family history research material can be found at:
- Learning and Information Library
- Bishop Street
- Leicester LE1 6AA
- Tel: (0116) 299 5401