I, too, have wondered if the place in question might be Alby, but am providing some additional information as requested to see if someone might be able to help me figure this out.
The person whose birthplace is in question is Frances (Slaughter) Heap, the daughter of Samuel Slaughter (a soldier, according to her marriage record), who was born in Norfolk about 1820.
Frances Slaughter of Oldham Road, Rochdale, married Thomas Heap, also of Oldham Road, on 25 December 1848, St. Chad's, Rochdale, Lancashire.
The couple, their two-year-old daughter Mary, and a 10-month-old visitor (almost certainly a niece), Alice J. Slaughter, are listed in the 1851 census on Hamer Mill Road, Wuerdle & Wardle, Rochdale, Lancashire. (Schedule No. 41, p. 11, folio 428, piece 2246, HO 107.) This census entry lists Frances's birthplace as "Norfolk, Obley [Olley? Olbey?]"
The 1871 census lists Thomas and Franes [sic] Heap on Martin Row, Rishworth, Halifax, Yorkshire. (Schedule No. 106, p. 25, folio 70, piece 4409, RG 10.) This entry fairly clearly lists Frances's birthplace as "Holley Nr Norwich," although I can identify no such place in the list of Norfolk parishes and/or registration districts.
Since Frances was not living in Norfolk, I would not be at all surprised if the name or spelling of her birthplace was written or pronounced incorrectly by her and/or the census enumerator. Still I would be very grateful if anyone could help me figure out where she might have been born.
I have a copy of the 1851 census entry in djvu format, which cannot be posted to this website, and a copy of the 1871 census entry in gif format, which is too large to post. I would be happy, however, to send them by email to anyone who would be willing to look at the actual entries to see whether s/he can make out the place of birth. Thanks again for your assistance!
Chad
