Hi Chris, I hope the discussion didn't confuse you too much! Re HALLOWS - this is the most common spelling of the name so you are best using that. Just be aware when searching records of the possible variations. The different spellings will be down to the person hearing and writing down the name which is where differing dialects and what is heard occur. Up until the early 1900's (roughly) spelling wasn't standardised in the UK and most of the population wouldn't be able to read or write. Your friend is correct about Salford. I'd forgotten that example. Even with different areas of Manchester this will be pronounced diferently. I've heard it pronounced Manchista!! Even today. So if it is confusing to those that live in the general area it must be ten times more so for folks from across the pond or other countries where English isn't the first language. Hope the certificate you've ordered is the one you want. Good luck with your research. HTH, Val (in Stockport) On 21 April 2011 06:59, Chris & George Jamieson <[email protected]> wrote: > The discussion on pronunciation of my HOLLIS/HALLOWS/ALLASS line has been > interesting. > > I've sent for the marriage certificate of Hannah HALLOWS and George WALKER, > so will be interesting to see how the names are spelt on the cert.  As the > marriage is the earliest record I will have for Hannah, I think I'll go with > the way it's spelt at that time until proven wrong somehow. > > I also learnt today that Salford is pronounced SOLford - according to my > Lancashire friend out here, but originally from St Helens.  She told me > HALLOWS could be pronounced very differently depending on which part of > Lancashire a person was from.  She said her husband came from near Wigan and > he pronounced some things differently to her. > > Thanks again > Chris