On Thu, 1 Mar 2001 21:23:23 -0000, you wrote: >Hi All, > >Just discovered that it may be possible that my Bridles of Potterne may have >come from Dorset. In a will of 1671 Motcombe is mentioned for a Francis >Bridle. Looked on IGI for Francis and East Stower comes up but in 1700's. >This is also close to Motcombe. >So is there anyone out there researching Bridles or able to do a look up at >East Stower parish records pre 1700. > >Many thanks > >Sarah Sarah >From the Dorset County Record Office Guide to the Location of Parish Registers for Dorset I have found the following which may be of help: Motcombe D 1675 Christening 1675-1951 PE/MOT (formerly part of Gillingham) Marriages 1676-1949 Burials 1676-1924 Banns 1754-1812, 1823-1925 Transcript Marriages 1676-1837 Burials 1716-1789 *lx Christening and Burials 1813-1837 I would, therefore, suggest that Gillingham might be your best bet? If you haven't already done so you might like to consider joining Dorset List: DORSET-L-request@rootsweb.com where you should find much local knowledge. You might also consider having a look at the Dorset Exchange page at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/5973/dorset.htm where I believe someone is sometimes able to do look-ups as long as they are brief. Researchers in Dorset should be aware that most of the Bishop's Transcripts for Dorset went up in flames in the great fire at Blandford Forum in 1732, hence the LDS has few records for Dorset before this date: in addition the LDS has not been allowed to film many Dorset Parish Registers and as a result, with a few exceptions, we only have the BTs. Dorset Record Office has most of the PRs though, although, in view of errors and omissions, it is normally best to consult both, if possible! In vew of the fact that the East Stour (Stower) entries are mainly early Patron Submissions by members of the LDS Church: in view of the reputation of these records I should be inclined to treat them with "great care" and treat them as extremely doubtful until proven otherwise! Other list members may like to comment on their experiences with these records. However, having said that controlled extractions of Bishop's Transcripts and Parish Registers are normally well worth following up in the appropriate registers. The clue lies in the batch numbering of controlled extractions!! Patron submissions normally only have a film reference. Regards Paul Portland