Many thanks to all of you who replied - I now understand. This was something I knew nothing about and previously assumed that people moved about looking for work or through work or marriage purposes. I fing this all quite fascinating. If this Joseph Garnett is the one I am researching i.e. Joseph Garnett of Kimpton (is there a place called Kempton in Hertfordshire?) then this is a puzzle as Joseph Garnett - which one I don't know as there were a few of them in the family - owned a canvas weaving business in Tring. I have the will. So maybe after staying in Kimpton/Kempton Joseph's luck improved! Thanks again for all your kind help. Diana