Hi Chris > Between 1770's to 1790's > > 1. If a person holds a Marriage Certificate from St. Martin's Church > which > states they are "of this Parish" can this be used to prove evidence of > settlement? As "of this Parish" can mean the couple lived in the Parish for just a few weeks I cannot see it being any use in proving settlement in itself > 2. If a person lives in Birmingham but has settlement entitlement > elsewhere > when they marry at St. Martin's would the marriage certificate show them > as > "being of this Parish" or would it show their parish of settlement? That all depends, if they were of this Parish they would only need the banns reading in the one place, if they were noted as being of another Parish the banns would have to be read there too, as I believe a fee was involved for reading the banns it was cheaper for both parties to be OTP > 3. If a person is from a family of dissenters who do not use the parish > church would they be able to claim settlement and parish relief through > residency? Not claiming to know a vast amount on the subject of settlement, try here <http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/LIN/poorsettlement_cole.html> There is plenty more to be had with google Best wishes Nivard Ovington, in Cornwall (UK) > > Thanking everyone in anticipation. > > Chris