In a message dated 09/06/2005 17:31:38 GMT Standard Time, doug.thompson@virgin.net writes: I'm afraid I agree with Marilyn. Tewkesbury sounds more likely. I have got 20 William Thompsons in my tree now, all born in Hawkesbury but there isn't one to match with yours. There was one born 1820, but we know all about him and he doesn't go to Staffs. The other nearest was born 1829, which is a bit far out. We know nothing of this one except his birth. I suspect he died very young. This one goes all over the place LOL Children that I know of were: James b Staffs c 1851 (my g grandfather), Emma, b Derbyshire c 1861, Alice, b Staffs c 1865, Harry, b Staffs c 1872, Sophia, b Staffs c 1873 then by 1881 he was in Cumberland. Haven't found them in 1861 so could be other children, seems a long gap between James & Emma. They have been a nightmare since day one and can't seem to give same place of birth twice. I have now touched 9 counties from my grandfather to my gg grandfather and that is just the direct line, no siblings. I have 3 diff places (and 2 diff ages) for James, all within a few miles of each other but all in diff reg districts so what chance do I have of finding his birth? Joan (nee Thompson)