Hi Emma, It is almost certainly a result of an accent your ancestors had and/or a slightly deaf vicar. There was no correct way of spelling anything before c1850. Even if someone had a clear accent/voice one vicar might spell something one way and another would spell it another. Howland spoken in a rural accent could easily sound like Howlett to an Oxbridge educated vicar. Oowayve gotter brannew combine arvester... ------------------------------ Message: 5 From: EMMA HUNNISETT <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [BKM] Howlett, Gurney,Moody Dear Brian, Have you ever found the Howletts to be listed as Howland in your research? This has complicated matters for a long time. Henry was born to Simon and Sarah Howland in High Wycombe in 1809, the last of a line of children born in Wooburn to Simon and Sarah Howland! I have finally proved the two surnames are one in the same with the use of 'The People in Wooburn Vol. 2' regarding settlement, where he is listed as Howland in 1785 and then cross referenced it with the 'Index to Poor Law Records' from Bucks FHS where he is listed as Howlett. Why the variations in surname? Emma