Thanks very much for the info Derick . Thomas BIGG and Mary NEWMAN are the right names for my couple , but I don't know of any CATLIN or HANKIN links .so I've got a new line of investigation to pursue ( hurray <grin> ) . Unless of course these people are "habitual witnesses" in Hatfield . Does any lister know of these people ? Marriage in Hatfield Thomas Bigg of this Parish and Mary Newman of this Parish married by Banns Oct 12 1825 Witnesses- William Catlin, Sarah Catlin and Henry Hankin. I do have a James CATLIN married Mary Ann BIGGS in Rickmansworth in 1839 , but I've nothing to link the Rickmansworth BIGGS to those in Hatfield and Welwyn . (May I use this opportunity to plug again the online Hertfordshire BIGG(S) Project which aims to unscramble the BIGG(S) families of the 19th century and earlier ? If it might be of interest to you , or if you can contribute BIGG(S) data , please see this list's archives or contact me directly , off-list . ) Best wishes to all listers, Robert Hillier, Poole, Dorset