Finch, Reigate, 18th century

[f4monty]

I wonder if someone can help with some suggestions of a way forward.

I am researching a Finch family line from Reigate in Surrey. The first direct Finch descendant I've found is Thomas Finch, who married at St Mary Magdelene church in 1760. The marriage took place on 14 April and the bride was Mary Bilcliffe/Bilcliff. I've so far been unable to trace Thomas' birth - either he wasn't baptised in Reigate or his baptism has been missed by the transcribers of the records. I can't find details on the marriage record that would help.

Some people of this name born around the area who I've found are:

Thomas Finch son of Thomas and Elizabeth christened 1724 in Mortlake, Surrey
Thomas Finch son of Thomas christened 1728 in Cobham, Surrey
Thomas Finch son of Thomas christened 1732 in Rumboldswyke, Sussex
Thomas Finch son of Thomas and Mary christened 1733 in Westminster
Thomas Finch son of John and Elizabeth christened 1735 in Croydon, Surrey (may have died as looks like the same couple had a Thomas in 1740 - see below)
Thomas Finch son of James and Mary christened 1737 in Croydon, Surrey
Thomas Finch son of John and Elizabeth christened 1740 in Croydon, Surrey
Thomas Finch son of Thomas and Mary christened1740 in Bishopsbourne, Kent
Thomas Finch son of Edmund and Elizabeth christened 1742 in Arundel, Sussex

The Bilcliffe surname appears in several forms in the records as Billcliff and Billcliffe for example.

The only Mary Billcliff known to have been from Reigate around this time was baptised on 19 October 1735, listed as the daughter of Edward. However, a Mary, daughter of Edward, died in 1737 in Reigate and was buried on 14 November. This must surely be the same person, meaning that our Mary must be from elsewhere, unless the records are again incomplete. 

A couple of Marys are recorded from nearby Worth in Sussex. They are Mary Bilcliff, baptised on 10 April 1735 to parents George and Mary Bilcliff, and a Mary Bilcliff baptised on 17 January 1734 to parents Stevne and Susan Bilcliff (assuming Stevne is wrongly transcribed).

Thomas and Mary had at least seven children and they were all baptised in Reigate.

If anyone can suggest some ways forward, including record sources, i would be hugely grateful!

Thanks
Stephen Finch

[afinch]

I am descended from the Thomas in Mortlake in 1724. He is not your man.
Good luck,
Adrian

[dawnsh]

Hi Adrian

Thanks for posting.

Stephen hasn't been online here for a couple of months but should get an email notification that you have posted and hopefully come back soon.

Dawn

[f4monty]

Hi Adrian

Thanks for helping me narrow things down!

Stephen

[kilkennylass]

I'm in Reigate if you need any local photos, or research done at Reigate Library.  Not sure where burial/baptism records for that period for St Mary's are held but I assume you've contacted them anyway http://www.stmaryreigate.org/

[f4monty]

Thanks for the offer of help! I have seen the St Mary's records now - but thanks again anyway.

Stephen