In 1851 there were over 60 residents of Hawkesbury and Hillesley with the surname HOPKINS aged from under 1 year to 70 years. The HOPKINS name continued in the village well into this century and indeed Harley HOPKINS was renowned for his Lardy cake. I've never had that but I did enjoy the Lavender cake in the village last weekend. Aaron HOPKINS married Hannah RICHARDS. There are a number of links between HOPKINS and THOMPSON some direct some less indirect. Maria CHAPPELL who married Samuel THOMPSON in 1816 was the grand daughter of Jane HOPKINS. Samuel is the 3rd great grand uncle of Mrs Pond Dipper. The Jesse LEWIS to Eunice HOPKINS marriage has links to the THOMPSONs as do many others. William HOLBOROW is known to many listers as a witness at many Hawkesbury weddings. And indeed the family farms almost 1,000 Acres in 1851 whilst another family member was a Schoolmaster. The HATHERELL family also trace back into the 1700's although there are only 2 by the time of the 1851 census. I guess we will have to sit back and wait patiently until Nigel reveals more and to which of us he is related. Listers should not forget to post messages to the GLS list as with almost 1,000 listers your chances of a successful match are increased. Don't forget to access the GLS surnames list through GENUKI either as somebody may be sitting at home waiting fro that call from you. It was the GLS list and a question I posted about the Hawkesbury monument that led eventually to the formation of this list. Thanks cousin Marilyn, And lastly Welcome Janice to our happy band. Geoffro The Pond Dipper