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Suffolk Lookup Requests / Re: Parish Records - c 1815 Bury St Edmunds Please - ARMSTRONG
« on: Friday 10 April 09 18:41 BST (UK) »
Hi Sabrina
Thought I'd let you know that I now have the marriage certificate for Jane Armstrong and John Fenwick; it answers some questions and raises more!
They were married on 9th Dec 1837 but a line is drawn through where her father's name and profession should be given. That must mean that she was illigitimate and the father not known. One of the witnesses who signs the marriage certificate is an Elizabeth Armstong - perhaps a sister or her mother. I have found an Elizabeth Armstong living, and born, in Bury St Edmunds in 1861 aged 61 so she would have been of the right age/time to be Jane's mother; she is unmarried and living with her brother Matthew who is a 64 year old clergyman - imagine the scandal! There are a number of Armstrong families around Hexham at this time, and perhaps the disgraced lady's baby was sent of to relations there to hide the scandal. My next step must be the parish records to find out if this is a true link or just a romantic wish on my part.
I have learned that Jane already had a daughter (Jane Armstrong b1834 in Northumberland) when she married John, and this younger Jane - following the family tradition - also had an illigitimate child - the William Armstong b1855 living with his grandparents in 1861.
Many thanks for your help and inspiration.
Tracey
Thought I'd let you know that I now have the marriage certificate for Jane Armstrong and John Fenwick; it answers some questions and raises more!
They were married on 9th Dec 1837 but a line is drawn through where her father's name and profession should be given. That must mean that she was illigitimate and the father not known. One of the witnesses who signs the marriage certificate is an Elizabeth Armstong - perhaps a sister or her mother. I have found an Elizabeth Armstong living, and born, in Bury St Edmunds in 1861 aged 61 so she would have been of the right age/time to be Jane's mother; she is unmarried and living with her brother Matthew who is a 64 year old clergyman - imagine the scandal! There are a number of Armstrong families around Hexham at this time, and perhaps the disgraced lady's baby was sent of to relations there to hide the scandal. My next step must be the parish records to find out if this is a true link or just a romantic wish on my part.
I have learned that Jane already had a daughter (Jane Armstrong b1834 in Northumberland) when she married John, and this younger Jane - following the family tradition - also had an illigitimate child - the William Armstong b1855 living with his grandparents in 1861.
Many thanks for your help and inspiration.
Tracey