Listers, This problem has been an inpenetrable brick wall for some years. I, and several other researches, would greatly value any assistance. My G-Grandfather, Thomas REDMAYNE was born around 1859. The earliest documenation we have for him is the 1881 census and his marriage certificate. The census says he was born in Camden though in 1881 he was living in Byker, Newcastle. His marriage certificate names his father only as "REDMAYNE" (no forename) and states his occupation as "Barrister". However, I've been unable to trace any evidence of a BArrister by that name in that period, and Camden records office (and other nearby locatons) have no birth certificate. Family tradition has it that he was alienated from his family and I suspect he may have been illigitimate. A story from another researcher is that he was in fact born in Ireland even though all census from 1881 name the Camden area as his place of birth. There are tantalising parallels between Thomas REDMAYNE and two other REDMAYNEs - Robert Robey and John Marriner. These two brothers (born around 1830) were sons of a wealthy SilkMerchant Giles REDMAYNE and they were born in London and later settled in the Newcastle area. As it happened, Robert Robey Redmayne had a son Thomas born close to my G-Grandfather but I know this is definitely not the man as he became a doctor - my G-Granfather was a corn and hay merchant. As a final twist, on Dec 11, 1867 The times published an account of a widow, Mrs Fletcher, who had been paid to take care of an illegitimate boy born in Camden a few years previously. She had applied to the Marlbourough Magistrate because the father, T.A Redpath had ceased to pay the promised maintenance. The mother of the child used the name REDMAYNE. I've been unable to locate any official records of the court appearance to confirm that the boy in question was my G-Grandfather. Naturally, we'd be very grateful if anyone can help us overcome this impasse. regards Norman Jessup Sydney