Hi Greensleeves,
It has been very interesting and I learned a lot from it. I do think a direct approach to St. Hilda's might be of use, as you are a descendant of Robert Snr, if I remember correctly, - one of their own! in the absence of Durham folk doing look ups in the key archives, I think you may have to get thee to Durham yourself!
On the Church/Legal side of things, this is very peculiar. The usual law in force at the time makes Robert the legal father, irrespective of biology. I think there may have been a case made against Alice in a one of the local courts either before or after the birth, to allow for William to be acknowledged as illegitimate, if not legally so. Otherwise the thing could be conveniently hushed up by the deaths.
This is why I think records must have been made, and hopefully might have survived. I also wonder if Alice had money herself or the prospect of some, and her family were implicated in ousting baby William? Or the real father, or his family spilled the beans - unlikely, unless there was an infuriated wife about.
Naming the baby William is interesting too, as the Shadforth's seem big on Robert son of Robert.
What I am saying is that the Shadforth's may not be the only players here, or the villians either.
As the more scholarly stuff I posted here says, courts of this period seemed to take the view that marriage made every child of the marriage the legal father responsiblie as for upkeep, and a potential inheritor as well. The wording of the baptism seems to indicate that Robert is still in the father picture in some way.
Perhaps this was to stop a penny of Shadford dosh going indirectly, via a healthy William, to the family of the real Father? The speedy remarriage seems to say there were other agendas around as well. Sometimes, in these situations almighty and unintended muddles result, and things get made public that might not otherwise be known.
Shall be interested to see where the Coulston Burrell stuff takes you. regards, PM
Burrel, Robert, bur. 28 Nov 1784, Age 35yr, [DO] from the internment.org data above. Could he be a younger brother of Alice Burrell?
As Durham has exceptionally good records, no harm in e-mailing the lot - and the Vicar of St. Hilda,s about exactly what has survived. Otherwise, you might be there for weeks!
