Contrary to popular belief, it has always been possible to change your name without having to register the change with any official body. It is still perfectly legal for anyone over the age of 16 to start using a new name at any time, as long as they are not doing so for a fraudulent or illegal reason. The National Archives only holds records of changes of name which have been enrolled at the Supreme Court of Judicature. This is a very small percentage of all deed polls. If it was not enrolled, contact a solicitor or Citizens Advice Bureau for legal advice.
People looking for proof of a change of name will often find that it simply does not exist. Historically, many people preferred not to draw attention to their change of name - for example, when divorce was more difficult, some people simply took their new partner's name to allow them to appear married, and to make any children appear legitimate.
Where people did wish to make their change of name more official, they might have:
•made announcements in the press - search the Times online archive or the British Library Newspaper Library
•made a declaration before a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths
•drawn up a legal contract commonly known as a 'deed poll'.
For more info, visit: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/research-guides/change-of-name.htm
