Shropshire and the IGI (International Genealogical Index)
The IGI coverage for Shropshire is quite good compared with some counties. The IGI can be very helpful but should be used with caution, and entries wherever possible should be checked with the original registers. As usual there are few burials listed. Baptisms in general are better covered than marriages, but the Shropshire Family History Society Marriage Index CD Rom covers some of the missing parishes, particularly for the period 1813-1837. This is obtainable via their website
Baptisms for some sections of some important parishes are not on the IGI e.g. St Julian's, Shrewsbury 1711-1812, but I have my own transcription of this and other gaps. Baptisms for a number parishes during the period 1813-1837 are not yet on the IGI e.g. Clun.
Both for marriages and baptisms, the IGI does not give other details which may be in the parish register and this can be a handicap, especially where one or both parties of a marriage are marrying away from their 'home' parishes. Nor is there any indication on the IGI as to whether a marriage was by Banns or Licence. If a licence was obtained, then there may be vital information about ages or parishes which are mentioned in the 'bond' or 'allegation'; for further information please refer to the section on Marriage Licences.
If the IGI lists a baptism with 'about' a particular date, then be aware that this is pure speculation submitted by a contributor, and should be disregarded. Many a 'tree' has been falsely constructed on one or more 'abouts' listed on the IGI.