Lila Certainly, we cant blame the River for what happens in Shillington in 1760s! But it is interesting none-the-less. Were the PAGEs under 2 years old when they died? The age two, appears to be the age we leave off saying 'failure to thrive' and begin speaking about childhood illnesses...although they are often one & the same in 18th & 19th C. A poorly baby will be more susceptible to any illness that is going about? We can never establish this or any old diseases etc exactly. And as a PS the word 'Ouze' is Saxon for 'river' so when we say: 'River Ouze' - we are really saying 'River River'!?! cathy