Thanks to everyone, yet again - some wonderful asides as well! Jean, the plodging in the waters of Northumberland in your childhood was fascinating - so much so I researched it - to wade in water or through mud (early 19th century). We seem to be reaching a consensus that it was possibly either plugging the mouth or being staked in the ground. And Roy - for information it was definitely an "o" - although written in 1696, the presentment was written in a clear cursive script. Once again many thanks to all - perhaps one day - someone, somewhere will come up with the true meaning. In anticipation, Regards Martyn