Absence of Father's Name on BC

Does anyone know what the reporting procedures for Birth Certificates would
be in 1920's England?
My father's bc is missing details of his father - a line is drawn through
both columns relating to the father. However, I know that my grandmother
(who registered the birth) was married and living with her husband at the
time of my father's conception and birth. She did later divorce her first
husband (or vv) and tell my father that he was illegitimate.

But even if my father was illegitimate, it seems strange that she wouldn't
have registered her husband as the father. So, I was wondering:-

- Was a mother able to register a father's name without his presence or

Charani...

If the child was illegitimate, theoretically, no. The father would
have to go with the mother. If the mother was married, her husband
was deemed to be the father.

Dave Mayall...

It is an interesting comment on changes in society that when my stepdaughter
booked an appointment to register her son's birth last month, she was told
that they both needed to attend if the father's name was to be recorded.

As this would involve her husband taking time off work, I suggested that she
ring back to check this.

Oh yes, the father must attend, otherwise not on the certificate!

Actually had to ring back again and speak to the deputy SR to get the
correct answer. Deputy SR appologised, but explained that so few children
locally are born in wedlock that they normally just tell all parents that
both need to attend.

Retired...

Surely this is quite reasonable; the man has to agree to his name going on
the certificate. Otherwise the mother could pick whoever's name she fancied
to go on the certificate, and then presumably have a go at claiming child

Alan Holmes...

Child support did not exist in the 1920s!

Phil C....

In 1849 my 3xg grandfather was taken to court "for having deserted and
made no provision for two illegitimate children of which he was the
father". He was ordered to pay half-a-crown per week for each child
which was then "the limit fixed by law".

Charles Ellson...

Not in the present form but there were still other ways of extracting
money out of various parties on the basis of a false claim.

Alan

support!

Charani...

For an illegitimate child, yes, but not where the parents are married.

written consent?
- If a registered father subsequently discovered he was not the real father
then could he have the record amended?

Charani...

The child could be re-registered

- Is it possible that the original copy would have more details than the GRO
copy - i.e. could it contain a crossed out entry?

Charani...

No. If the original registration had the information on it, then the
GRO copy would also have that information.

Thanks for any assistance
Jeff