In a message dated 15/05/2004 18:11:23 GMT Daylight Time, akpak@waitrose.com writes: I've found a baptism entry at Aycliffe (1821), where the family is said to be of "Rickland Mill". Was this a real place, or would it be an alternative version (or error) for Ricknall Mill, a little to the north? At that period spelling did not matter. Only pronunciation mattered. So yes, it was the same place. . Geoff Nicholson . 57 Manor Park, Concord, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU Ask for details of NBL/DUR family history research in depth by THE local expert, working for YOU.

I asked: > I've found a baptism entry at Aycliffe (1821), where the family is said to > be of "Rickland Mill". Was this a real place, or would it be an alternative > version (or error) for Ricknall Mill, a little to the north? Geoff Nicholson <GNicresearch@aol.com> replied: > At that period spelling did not matter. Only pronunciation mattered. So > yes, it was the same place. Thanks for the local expert guidance - though the only way I can think of "Ricknall" and "Rickland" sounding the same is with severe mumbling! Arthur