Hi Wendy Burt/Birt/Boat. Does it matter? It’s spelt however the scribe thought it was spelt, or what he thought he heard, as doubtless the Burts themselves were illiterate in common with most of the population. Try saying Boat or Burt with a broad yokel accent and they may not sound too much different. The Christian name “Baxter” is a bit of a give away though, so I don’t think you need have too many fears about the spelling change. Pre 1754 marriage entries in parish registers are unlikely to have anything more than the names of the two protagonists, with possibly their parish if one or other was not from the parish where they were being married. Names of fathers were not included in a marriage entry until 1837 with the introduction of civil registration. Between these two dates you get the bride and groom plus the names of two witnesses. Regards David > Message du 16/09/05 22:05 > De : "Wendy Birt" <wendy.birt@btinternet.com> > A : ENG-HUNTINGDON-L@rootsweb.com > Copie à : > Objet : PARISH- LOOKUP > > Hi List > Would be grateful for a little help if possible,please bare with me. > I have children born between 1790 and 1807 i believe to a BAXTER BURT AND SARAH WESTMORLAND all at SOMERSHAM but on one of the christenings it sayes father Baxter boat and i have found a marriage 1789 somersham for a baxter boat and Sarah Westmorland.his birth 1770 was to a Baxter Boat and Sarah Hidson and this Baxter to Baxter Boat and Mary Mitchell.Firstly how do i know if we are Burts- Birts as now spelt or Boats and if sks has access to the parish records for upto cum coppingford theres a marriage for Baxter to Mary Mitchell feb 1746 would like to know there fathers if possible,thanks in advance > best wishes wendy. > > >