Surname name change

[AngelaR]

My experience is that a lot of my illegitimate ancestors were known by their new step-father's surname, especially if they were very young when the marriage took place. Some of them reverted to their original name for their own marriage but a lot didn't.

It seems to me that the scenario you have outline is extremely likely and certificates aren't the only way to prove it - how about baptismal records? Almost all babies were baptised at that period and it looks like the family stayed in the area. I don't think Cannock baptismal records are on-line yet, but I'm not sure. Perhaps someone on the Staffordshire board could look it up for you at the record office? Alternatively, if you're anywhere near an LDS centre, you could look at the parish records there. They're not on BVRI, I've looked  and the IGI stops at 1867 but I think that could be your most promising route.....

Hope this helps

Angela

[J Eccy]

Thanks Angela good idea.

[Guy Etchells]

There is only one legal way to change ones name in England and Wales and that is to use the new name.

Deed Poll - correct name Deed of Change of Name - is simply a system to record changes that have been made, it does not in itself change the name.
Other forms of evidence of change of name include

a statutory declaration
a public announcement (e.g. an announcement in a newspaper)
a letter from a responsible person (e.g. a GP, solicitor, minister, priest or MP)

The most common change of name comes about by marriage.
Cheers
Guy