In a message dated 04/10/2004 04:19:17 GMT Daylight Time, joanmurray@xtra.co.nz writes: Also, does the title 'FortyThieves' in connection with a group of lawyers/accountants operating in Sunderland about 1900 mean anything to anyone >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> This term was still being used by my father when I was a youngster in Sunderland. I always assumed it referred to the local Town Council! Regards Stan Mapstone www.mapstone.org