For the purposes of registering Births and Deaths, North Wales was divided into a number of Registrars' Sub-districts, which could cover anything from a town, up to a group of perhaps a dozen rural parishes. The boundaries of these areas have changed frequently over the years since 1837, and as a result many birth and death records have been transferred between different register offices.
The list below attempts to indicate the parishes and/or places within each sub-district existing prior to 1950; although because parish boundaries have themselves changed considerably, this should only be taken as an approximate guide.
This list refers only to those sub-districts that have already been placed on the North Wales BMD website. It will be updated each time a "new" sub-district is added to the website.
Abergele Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In St. Asaph Registration District (1837-1935).
In Aled Registration District (1935-1968).
Abergele, Betws-yn-Rhos, Llanddulas, Llanfair Talhaearn, St. George.
Records now held at Conwy County Borough (Llandudno).
Bala Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Bala Registration District (1837 - 1935)
In Merioneth East Registration District (1935 - 1950 +)
Llandderfel, Llanfor / Llanfawr, Llangower / Llangywer, Llanycil (including the town of Bala), Llanuwchllyn.
Records now held at Gwynedd (Bala).
Barmouth Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Dolgellau Registration District (1837 - 1935).
In Merioneth South Registration District (1935 - 1950 +)
Dolgellau, Llanaber (including the town of Barmouth), Llanddwywe, Llanelltyd, Llanenddwyn, Llanfachreth.
Records now held at Gwynedd (Dolgellau).
Corwen (2) Sub-district
Created 1 October 1880.
In Corwen Registration District (1880 - 1935).
In Merioneth East Registration District (1935 - 1939).
Betws Gwerfyl Goch, Cerrigydrudion, Corwen, Gwyddelwern, Llandrillo yn Edeirnion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, Llangar, Llangwm, Llansanffraid Glyn Dyfrdwy.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Cyffylliog Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Ruthin Registration District (1837 - 1902)
Cyffylliog, Clocaenog and Nantglyn.On 1st August 1902, Cyffylliog sub-district was abolished.
Cyffylliog was transferred to Llanelidan sub-district.
Clocaenog was transferred to Ruthin sub-district.
Nantglyn was transferred to Llanrhaeadr sub-district.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Darowen Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Machynlleth Registration District (1837-1917).
Parishes of Llanbryn-mair, Cemmaes and Darowen.
On 1 October 1917, the sub-district of Darowen was united with the sub-district of Machynlleth, the enlarged sub-district being known as Machynlleth sub-district.
Records now held at Powys (Machynlleth).
Denbigh Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In St. Asaph Registration District (1837 - 1935).
Denbigh, Henllan, Bylchau, Cefn Meiriadog, Llannefydd, Llansannan, Trefnant.In Ruthin Registration District (1935 - 1950+).
Denbigh, Nantglyn, the Aberwheeler portion of Bodfari, Llandyrnog, Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Flint Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Holywell Registration District (1837-1974).
Flint, Connah's Quay, Halkyn, Northop, Rhosesmor / Caerfallwch, Sychdyn.
Records now held at Flintshire (Mold).
Gwyddelwern Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Corwen Registration District (1837 - 1880).
Betws Gwerfyl Goch, Cerrigydrudion, Gwyddelwern, Llandrillo yn Edeirnion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, Llangar, Llangwm.Gwyddelwern sub-district was abolished on 30 September 1880.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Hawarden Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Great Boughton Registration District (1837-1870).
In Chester Registration District (1871-1902).
Became Hawarden Registration District on 1 January 1903.
1837-1853: Dodleston, Eaton, Eccleston, Hawarden, Higher Kinnerton, Lower Kinnerton, Marlston-cum-Lache, Poulton, Pulford, Saltney.
1853-1871: As above, plus: Great Saughall, Little Saughall, Shotwick, Shotwick Park, Woodbank.
On 1 August 1871, the parishes of Hope and Treuddyn, and the townships of Marford and Hoseley, were transferred to Hawarden sub-district from Wrexham Registration District.
On the same date, the Cheshire parishes and townships were transferred from Hawarden sub-district to Chester Castle and Chester Cathedral sub-districts.
Records now held at Flintshire (Mold).
Holywell Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Holywell Registration District (1837-1974).
Holywell, Bagillt, Brynford, Gorsedd, Greenfield, Nannerch (including Penbedw), Rhesycae, Ysceifiog.
Records now held at Flintshire (Mold).
Kerry Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Newtown Registration District.
Parishes of Kerry and Mochdre.Kerry sub-district was abolished in 1923, and merged with Newtown sub-district.
Records now held at Powys (Newtown).
Llanarmon yn Iâl Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Ruthin Registration District (1837 - 1935).
Llanarmon yn Iâl, Llandegla, Llanferres.On 1st October 1935, Llanarmon sub-district merged with Ruthin, and ceased to be a separate sub-district.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Llandyrnog Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Ruthin Registration District (1837 - 1935).
Llandyrnog, Llangwyfan, Llangynhafal; together with the township of Aberwheeler / Aberchwiler.On 1st February 1906, Aberwheeler and parts of Llandyrnog were transferred to Llanrhaeadr sub-district.
On 1st October 1935, Llandyrnog sub-district merged with Ruthin, and ceased to be a separate sub-district.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Llanelidan Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Ruthin Registration District (1837 - 1935)
Llanelidan, Derwen, Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.On 1st October 1935, Llanelidan sub-district merged with Ruthin, and ceased to be a separate sub-district.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Llanfair Caereinion Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Llanfyllin Registration District.
Llanfair Caereinion, Llangyniew / Llangynyw, Llanerfyl, Llangadfan, Llanfihangel yng Ngwynfa, Garthbeibio.
Records now held at Powys (Welshpool).
Llanidloes Lower Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Newtown Registration District.
Parishes of Trefeglwys and Llanidloes (part).Llanidloes Lower and Upper sub-districts were merged in January 1896, and the newly-created sub-district was named Llanidloes.
Records now held at Powys (Newtown).
Llanidloes Upper Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Newtown Registration District.
Parishes of Llangurig and Llanidloes (part).Llanidloes Upper and Lower sub-districts were merged in January 1896, and the newly-created sub-district was named Llanidloes.
Records now held at Powys (Newtown).
Llanidloes Sub-district
Created January 1896.
In Newtown Registration District.
Llanidloes Upper and Lower sub-districts were merged in January 1896, and the newly-created sub-district was named Llanidloes.
Records now held at Powys (Newtown).
Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Llanfyllin Registration District.
Llanarmon Mynydd Mawr, Llangadwaladr, Llangedwyn, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, Hirnant, Llangynog, Llanwddyn, Pennant.
Records now held at Powys (Welshpool).
Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Ruthin Registration District (1837 - 1935).
Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch and Llanynys.On 1st October 1935, Llanrhaeadr sub-district merged with Ruthin, and ceased to be a separate sub-district.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Llanrwst Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Llanrwst Registration District (1837-1935).
In Hiraethog Registration District (1935-1974).
Capel Garmon, Eglwysbach, Gwytherin, Llanddoget, Llangernyw, Llanrwst (excluding the township of Gwydyr), Maenan, The Abbey.
Records now held at Conwy County Borough (Llandudno).
Llansanffraid ym Mechain Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Llanfyllin Registration District.
Llandrinio, Llandysilio, Llanfechan, Llanfyllin, Llansanffraid, Meifod; plus Carreghova / Carreghofa township in the parish of Llanymynech.
Records now held at Powys (Welshpool).
Llanwnog Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Newtown Registration District.
Parishes of Llanwnog, Carno, Penstrowed, Aberhafesp, and Llandinam.Llanwnog sub-district was abolished in 1935.
Records now held at Powys (Newtown).
Machynlleth Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Machynlleth Registration District (1837-1917).
Machynlleth and Penegoes, plus the township of Ysgubor y Coed from the adjacent Cardiganshire parish of Llanfihangel Genau'r-Glyn.
On 1 April 1904, the civil parishes of Penegoes and Ysgubor y Coed were detached from the Machynlleth sub-district and added to the Darowen and Tywyn sub-districts respectively.
On 1 October 1917, the sub-district of Machynlleth was united with the sub-district of Darowen, the enlarged sub-district being called and known as Machynlleth sub-district.
Records now held at Powys (Machynlleth).
Malpas Sub-District
Created 1 July 1837.
In Wrexham Registration District (1837 - 1853).
The parishes of Bangor on Dee, Holt, Isycoed, Marchwiel, Threapwood and Worthenbury (all in Wales); and the following Cheshire townships: Shocklach Church, Shocklach Oviatt, Agden, Bradley, Chidlow, Chorlton, Cuddington, Malpas, Newton juxta Malpas, Oldcastle, Overton, Stockton, Wichough and Wigland.
On 1 April 1853, the Malpas sub-district was re-named, and became Holt sub-district. At the same time, its Cheshire townships (with the exception of Church Shocklach and Shocklach Oviatt) were transferred to Whitchurch (Shropshire) Registration District.
The townships of Church Shocklach and Shocklach Oviatt remained in Holt sub-district until 1896 when they were transferred to Chester Registration District.
Records now held at Wrexham.
Meifod Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Llanfyllin Registration District.
Meifod sub-district was abolished in 1841, and merged with Llansanffraid ym Mechain sub-district.
Records now held at Powys (Welshpool).
Mold Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Holywell Registration District (1837-1974).
Cilcain, Mold, Bistre, Gwernaffield, Leeswood, Pontblyddyn and Nercwys.On 1 July 1901, Bistre was transferred to the No. 4 (" Hawarden") sub-district of Chester Registration District.
Records now held at Flintshire (Mold).
Montgomery Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Montgomery Registration District (1837-1870).
In Forden Registration District (1870-1935).
In Welshpool Registration District (1935- ).
Parishes of Berriew, Montgomery, Llandyssil, Llanmerewig, Mainstone (Castlewright township), Lydham (Aston township), Churchstoke (part).
Records now held at Powys (Welshpool).
Newtown Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Newtown Registration District.
Parishes of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn.
Records now held at Powys (Newtown).
Pennal / Towyn (Tywyn) Sub-district
(The name was changed from Pennal to Towyn (Tywyn) between 1878 and 1884).
Created 1 July 1837.
In Machynlleth Registration District (1837 - 1935).
In Merioneth South Registration District (1935 - 1950 +)
Llanwrin, Pennal, Tywyn (including the town of Aberdyfi).On 1 April 1904, the civil parish of Llanwrin became part of the Darowen sub-district; and the civil parish of Ysgubor y Coed was moved from the Machynlleth sub-district to the Pennal / Tywyn sub-district.
On 1 June 1924, the civil parishes of Pennal and Ysgubor y Coed were moved to the Machynlleth sub-district.
Records now held at Gwynedd (Dolgellau).
Ruabon Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Wrexham Registration District.
The parishes of Erbistock and Ruabon (including Acrefair, Cefn Mawr, Johnstown, Penycae, Rhosllanerchrugog, Rhosymedre, Ruabon).
Records now held at Wrexham County Borough.
Ruthin Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Ruthin Registration District (1837 - 1950+).
Ruthin, Efenechtyd, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Llanfwrog, Llanrhydd, Llanychan.On 1st October 1935, the sub-districts of Llanarmon yn Iâl, Llandyrnog, Llanelidan and Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch were abolished, and merged with Ruthin.
Records now held at Denbighshire South (Ruthin).
Rhyl Sub-district
Created 1 June 1919.
In St. Asaph Registration District (1837 - 1950+).
Created from parts of Rhyl, Rhuddlan, Meliden and Prestatyn, which had previously been in St. Asaph sub-district.
Records now held at Denbighshire North (Rhyl).
St. Asaph Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In St. Asaph Registration District (1837 - 1950+).
Bodfari (part), Cwm, Dyserth, Meliden, Prestatyn, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, St. Asaph, Tremeirchion.On 1 June 1919, parts of Rhyl, Rhuddlan, Meliden and Prestatyn were transferred to the new sub-district of Rhyl.
Records now held at Denbighshire North (Rhyl).
Talyllyn Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Dolgellau Registration District (1837 - 1935).
In Merioneth South Registration District (1935 - 1950 +)
Llanegryn, Llangelynnin, Llanfihangel y Pennant, Llanymawddwy, Mallwyd, Talyllyn.
Records now held at Gwynedd (Dolgellau).
Tregynon Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Newtown Registration District.
Parishes of Bettws, Llanllugan, Llanwyddelan, Manafon and Tregynon.
Records now held at Powys (Newtown).
Welshpool / Pool Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Montgomery Registration District (1837-1870).
In Forden Registration District (1870-1935).
In Welshpool Registration District (1935- ).
Buttington parish, Castle Caereinion parish, Guilsfield parish, Pool / Welshpool parish, Leighton township (part of Worthin parish), Middletown and Uppington townships (part of Alberbury parish).
Records now held at Powys (Welshpool).
Whitford Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Holywell Registration District (1837-1961).
Caerwys, Gwaenysgor, Llanasa, Newmarket / Trelawnyd, Whitford.
Records now held at Flintshire (Mold).
Wrexham Sub-district
Created 1 July 1837.
In Wrexham Registration District.
Abenbury Fawr, Abenbury Fechan, Acton, Bersham, Bieston, Borras Hofa, Borras Riffre, Broughton, Esclusham Above, Esclusham Below, Erddig, Erlas, Gourton, Minera, Stansty, Wrexham Abbott, Wrexham Regis.
Records now held at Wrexham County Borough.
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