Really and Truly the Father, Volume 1, Bastardy Affidavits from Newcastle District (1837-1849), United Counties of Northumberland & Durham (1850-1861)

The passage of a law in 1837 imposing liability on the fathers of bastard children resulted in numerous affidavits being filed.  These affidavits or oaths were sworn in the presence of a Justice of the Peace by the young women, and were considered the first step in a legal case against the father.  This collection of affidavits covers the entire Newcastle District (including Peterborough County), until the district system was abolished on December 31, 1849; it then carries on with oaths from the United Counties of Northumberland & Durham.