Hi Laura As I said I have not come across the word 'party' used in records of births but I notice that the entries you quote do not use the terms 'lawful' and 'natural' and you state that the words spouse and wife are quite clear when used. In this case could the entries be for illegitimate children rather than those from an irregular marriage? On the other hand one of the forms of irregular marriage was cohabitation or 'habit and repute' in which case they may have used 'party' in these cases. I do not know but there has to be someone who can give a clear answer. Regards Ian