My Great-Grandmother, Elizabeth Bamford, was born in Rochdale on 29th January 1839 and baptised at St. Chad’s Church on 9th June 1839. Neither her Birth Certificate, nor her Baptismal Record, names Elizabeth’s Father. Her Mother was Alice Whitworth, who was married to a Richard Bamford. Richard Bamford died in 1836, three years before Elizabeth was born, so I have a sneaking suspicion that he may not be my Great-Grandfather.
Can anyone suggest how I might find out who my Great-Grandfather was? I have enquired at St. Chad’s, but they don’t have the Parish Chest Records going back to 1839. I have also enquired at Touchstones in Rochdale, but they don’t know the where-abouts of any 1800’s “Bastardy Records”.
Any help or suggestions anyone has, would be most appreciated.
Hello
You say Elizabeth Bamford (Mother Alice Bamford) was born Rochdale on the 29th January 1839 and Baptised 9th June 1839.
The Baptisms Solemnized in the Parish of Rochdale, says she was a "Widow".
So after five months, there appears to have been no claim by the Mother against Church Funds / Overseers of the Poor, on the basis of illegitimacy. Of course there can be a later claim, if the Mother's financial circumstances change.
The Parish of Rochdale (Bishops Transcripts) are clearly accepting her status as Widow, at Baptism.
If her husband left Alice money in a Will, there may be no claim for dole or assistance from the Overseers of the Poor, whether the child was illegitimate or not. If the Mother could get by with her own funds / income, or assistance from Family, there might be no Bastardy Case at all?
Did the late husband leave a Will? If so the Will may confirm, if you have the right death and death year.
Did Alice the Mother leave a Will when she died (assuming Daughter Elizabeth outlived her Mother), sometimes Wills explain relationships, sometimes not and can sometimes be 'bolt & braces' to any family tree relationship?
Mark
