Goldie, thank you very much for the look up. Yes, I've been to Great Longstone and seen the headstone. I have no doubt that they are my 4x grandparents. On the stone are mentioned three infant children and Samuel aged 64. Which ties in with the Parish baptisms. Brothers William (my antecedent) and George moved to Earl Sterndale, but both of them and some of their children were buried at Great Longstone.
Working backwards from the ages and dates of death for Thomas and Hannah. I can identify a potential baptism for Thomas in December 1721 and the marriage (in Oct. 1752) you identified is potentially the right time (Thomas about 30yrs old, Hannah about 18yrs old - Which - on account of Hannah's age - is why I wondered if a Marriage Bond was involved). First born Richard arrives two years after the marriage date. BUT using the same dates several family trees on this site have reached somewhat different conclusions.
Any crumbs of comfort appreciated!! - Alex
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