Dear Listers, I am trying to help a friend find out about their ancestor Robert Thompson, born c. 1842 in Bampton, Westmorland. He first appears on the 1951 census at Hartsop, Patterdale living in the family of his uncle Joseph Thompson, also born Bampton, aged 33 and a tailor. Joseph's wife is Elizabeth (Brunskill), and children Wilson, Agnes . Then there is Robert aged 9 years, nephew. Robert married Mary Nixon in 1866, when he was a husbandman at Kirkstonefoot. No information is given about his parents, although details of Mary's are given. Likewise when Joseph married Elizabeth in 1846, no parental details were given. It is believed that Jospeh was born in 1817, the illegitimate son of Agnes Thompson. There appears to have been a sister Martha born in 1820, also illegitimate. Could she be Robert's mother? Robert and Mary's children were Thomas, born 1867, Isabella born 1869, Mary Elizabeth 1871, Ann 1874, and Robert 1876. Robert Thompson's birth does not appear to have been registered. Is anyone else researching this family and can anyone offer any suggestions re Robert's parentage? Best wishes, Mary

Mary You mention that Robert's birth does not appear to have been registered but I am not sure which Robert you are referring to. Robert born c.1842 Bampton, Westmorland. Bampton is in the West Ward registration district and there is a birth entry in Q4 1841 in West Ward for Robert Thompson Vol xxv Page 453. Robert born 1876 - according to the 1881 Census Robert was living with his family in Haltwhistle, Northumberland. There is a birth entry in Q3 1876 at Haltwhistle for Robert under Vol 10b Page 327. Regards, Christopher Darvill Researching Patterdale