Radcliff, Mo, cardiff, Isobel, David and Maureen - Thanks so much that's been a fantastic help, and it's surely right because having followed your lead to Lancashirebmd I've checked Frederick Thompson, JWT's younger brother, and sure enough, his mother's maiden name is Elizabeth Walker. The next step that Radcliff has uncovered as well with Rachel Greenhalgh is a great bonus.
Having ruled out the name Walker based on my faith in the registrar's handwriting, imagine my surprise... Finding that Ramsbottom wasn't a registration district or sub-district in itself in 1871 was also an education, because those census records are on the commercial website I subscribe to after all, the town's name just doesn't appear to be amongst the search criteria that their database draws on.
So, I shall continue armed with new knowledge and back on the right track. Thanks again chaps!
Very best regards,
Duncan.
