Hi Kathb
Many thanks for your reply. I am mystified by what has been removed by the moderator?
In the 1851 census Mary and Thomas lived at 66 Guide Lane, Hooly Hill Village. Ashton-under Lynne. Mary Jane Handley(first child) born Runcorn as we know, William Handley(1850 second child) born Manchester. Hooly Hill being part of Manchester. I to found the same record as you with the same results, I have been through all the available IGI' again drawing a blank and I don't know what to do next? Any suggestions?
On a more lighter note in trolling through the IGI's I think I have found more links to the Handley family through John Handley(1780 Runcorn) spouse Ann Hatton(1781 Lower Peover) and the children of that marriage, they seem to link in but yet to be proved.
Well Peover isn't that far so I think it might be worth a trip, that and a trip to the Library at the Shopping City in Runcorn.
By the way do you think it is worth sending for the marriage cert. without the knowing who is Mary Drinkwater's partner?
Many thaks for you reply
Best wishes
Ron