Back from a holiday, and the copies of the three marriage registers had arrived in the post. Unfortunately, there is no major breakthrough, nor confirmation of my earlier theory.
Shaw 3 December 1800
William Richmond of this parish, spinster [crossed out!] and Sarah Lewis of Monmouth, spinster
Both made a mark witnesses signed – Emmanuel Tilbury & Wm Harnan [?]
I'm pretty certain I would have noted a Shaw baptism for William when I looked at a transcript many years ago, but I suppose this needs a recheck. Sarah Lewis was a long way from home, and opens up interesting searching.
Speen 8 November 1803
Thomas Poke of this parish, bachelor and Sarah Richmon [no “d”] of the same
Both made a mark witnesses signed – Sarah Coxhead & Wm Law [?]
I had hoped the groom was Pope rather than Poke; although the copy is not at all clear, it does appear to be a “k” rather than a “p”. Sadly there is no indication that Sarah was a widow (or even spinster).
Ashe 24 October 1824
Thomas Pope of Overton, batchelor and Lucy Hind spinster of this parish of Ashe.
Both made a mark witnesses – John hine [?] & mark of Mary Wood
Thomas Pope of Shaw would have been fantastic! Having said that I can't see a baptism for him in Overton. Nor, for that matter can I find a Thomas and Lucy Pope in censuses.
In 1800-1803 there are 717 burials of a William in the Berkshire Burial Index – not a sign of William Richmond.
Looking online, I can't see any subsequent mentions for William and Sarah Richmond, nor Thomas and Sarah Poke. Unless RootsChatters have better luck.
Although Chris found Thomas Richmond’s baptism, I feel the needle is getting smaller and the haystack is getting bigger.