Piercy Vallance nee Smith

[EllenBan]

Hi,

I'm looking for the death of Piercy Smith. She was born in Cuckfield in 1748 and had two illegitimate children Thomas b. 1770 and Sarah b.1774. In 1779 she married John Valance/Vallance in Cuckfield and baptised a son William 1779 in Worth,Sussex. I can't find a woman called Piercy, the name is also very rare and unique, what does it stand for? I could find a PRISCILLA Vallance who died in Worth in 1830 born about 1745. A John Vallance died 1840 in Worth born about 1752. Is Piercy a nickname for Priscilla ?

[rosie99]

She was baptised as Piercy and her marriage also has Piercy.  There is not always a good reason as to why parents give their children names but she obviously was not 'Priscilla'  from birth. 

[EllenBan]

Yes she was always called Piercy, I wonder if she changed it later to Priscilla. At the moment Priscilla Vallance who died 1830 is the only suitable candidate for my ancestor Piercy

[EllenBan]

The couple baptised more children in Burstow,Surrey (FreeREG)

John b. 1783
Edward b.1785
Joseph b.1787
James b.1790
Peter b.1793

The Transcription says "Piercy query Priscilla", I cant see what the original image says

[jonwarrn]

In 1779 she married John Valance/Vallance in Cuckfield

Bit of a messy register, banns and marriages combined - not unusual then, but everything is handwritten.
Banns of marriage between Jno Valance of ye Parish of Worth and Piercy Smith of ye Parish
Then banns for three other couples
Then the marriage of John and Piercy
The mark of X Jno Valance
The mark of X Piercy Valance late Smith
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-XC7S-J4G

It seems to be the same for all the brides around this time, even the few who signed did so with their married name and then their maiden/previous name is added afterwards, by themselves or otherwise.
Unusual?

The first marriage on that page was witnessed by another Piercy! Piercy Renvill. Thomas Renvill was the other witness, both marked.
So there were a few Piercys about!

[EllenBan]

Thank you! Great to have a unique name instead of another Mary Elizabeth or Ann in my tree