Dear Joan in Devon As the holder of a large part of the Hesmondhalgh (whichever way it happens to be spelt - there are plenty of variations!) I find it very difficult to be absolutely sure about relationships that far back. However - I take you mean it was John's marriage to Ellen (Elling) Seed that you have discovered? I have not found a marriage of an Ellen Hesmondhalgh on that date, although one married William Greenalls (Greenhalgh?) in 1686/7. There are no Ellens at all on my list until the first one appears in 1716: at that point she married Thomas Seed. If that were she, then could Thomas have been her mother's relation? There are three male children born to John H: two baptised in Blackburn (David & George) and on born in Alston (part of Ribchester parish) named John who died as an infant. All HESMONDHALGHs originate in Ribchester - records as far back as 1331 have the name, but no birth etc details. Perhaps you knew that? All a bit tenuous, but its as far as I can go ... Regards Peter You said: Hello, I am looking for the baptism of Ellen HESMONDHALGH or HESMINHALGH about 1696. She was married at Ribchester and although I found a marriage for John HESMINHALGH at Ribchester in 1689 I have not found any children for him until 1702. Ellen must have been baptised elsewhere but where. I have looked on the IGI and I have the registers for Great Mitton. Can anyone help me with this one please. Joan in Devon ___________________________________________________________ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com