From Rose's bill to Rose's Act: A reappraisal of the 1812 parish register act

In January 1813, the Rose Act came into effect with the intention of facilitating the proof of pedigrees claiming to be entitled to real or personal property, and be otherwise of great public benefit and advantage. The most familiar manifestations of this legislation was the introduction of parochial registration of baptisms, marriages and burials. While many of the provisions of the Act seem laudable and useful, both contemporary observers and modern historians have tended to regard the Act as, at worst, a failure, at best, a missed opportunity. Time, effort and expense were all raised as issues, while there were particular concerns regarding the treatment of Dissent. Overall, the bill was viewed as a means to compel Anglican clergy to work harder for less reward while further diminishing both their sacred and secular role in society, and thus it fell victim to an emotional response to contemporary circumstance.