Hi Annette
I like the idea of their being wreckers in the family, that's interesting. My Hannah Oliver married a supposed highwayman and although no proved he was certainly transported to Australia in 1807 for larceny.
I tried to find Elizabeth 1842 baptism but unfortunately the Heathfield records end at 1789 on the online database but of course her baptism may be in the records at Lewes. I did try the non conformist records too but she didn't appear there.
For families who lived between Heathfield and Warbleton there is the Heathfield Independent Chapel which should always be checked for baptisms. For instance I could not find Hannah's last child Elizabeth born 1822 baptism anywhere, then I found it at the Chapel. After having 2 children out of marriage, 1 of which was not baptised. Also her husband had been transported some 15 years earlier, I think she was too ashamed to take Elizabeth to Warbleton church. That's my theory anyway.
Hannah lived a rather unfortunate life. She ended up living as a 'housekeeper' for some 40 odd years with a chap (who I believe is probably Elizabeth's father) and we believe that she couldn't remarry believing her husband still alive on the other side of the world. Unfortunately and probably unknown to her he died in 1821 so she could have remarried!
It is not uncommon for children not to be registered, I have a small number, I think some law was passed in the 1870s to make it compulsory but until then it was more 'voluntary'
Kerry
