In a message dated 14/03/2004 11:10:55 GMT Standard Time, grannykay@tiscali.co.uk writes: > I am looking for the birth of Thomas LICKLEY around 1823 in "Shields". He > stated at his marriage that he did not know his father. I'm afraid I do not > know whether it is North or South Shields. > Kay: How sure are you of his having been born in 1823? I have a note of a Thomas, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Luckley baptised at Tynemouth on 3 June 1838. The original will tell you the father's occupation and the parents' address. North Shields was in the parish of Tynemouth and whereas Lickley is a very unusual surname hereabouts, there were usually several Luckleys around. Since both North and South Shields were ports, there were several non-Church of England churches in both towns at the time in question, particularly various strains of Presbyterians, catering for sailors of Scottish origin. Are you sure that what you say is correct - that "he stated at his marriage that he did not know his father"? It frequently happens that for one reason or another the "Father's name" section of the marriage entry is left blank, but that is not in itself a statement of anything - just an omission. I have never seen it taken up with a statement such as you mention, so if so, it is very unusual. Geoff Nicholson 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert. Record searching service: you name the records, I search them!