The primary and statutory function of the Registry of Deeds is to provide a system of registration of property deeds. The Registry of Deeds was set up in 1707 "to secure purchasers and prevent forgeries and fraudulent gifts and conveyances of land". I agree with the Deputy that it is now recognised by many people that the registry is a rich source for genealogical research with records going back to 1708.
The material stored in the Registry of Deeds provides an invaluable, unique and irreplaceable reference for genealogical work as it maps all the important dealings with property from 1708 and has much incidental information contained in the four million memorials stored in the registry. In addition, records of wills from 1708-1835 are also part of the resources of the registry.
I recently opened the newly refurbished Registry of Deeds and I know that the refurbishment programme has substantially improved the genealogical service being provided. The cost so far of this ongoing work is £1.51 million.
The primary objectives of the refurbishment work were to improve accommodation and facilities in the context of welfare and safety of the public and staff and to improve security having regard to the importance of the building's contents.