Look-up or help with Witnesses Please? J HOOD St Giles in the Fields 18 Aug 1778

[BushInn1746]

Hello

John Hood of Scarborough, Mariner, Widower, married Sarah Hammond, Widow, by Licence, [under Camden on Anc.] at St Giles in the Fields, on 18th August 1778.

The nearest surname of the second witness looks like ... Stephens? Perhaps you have other suggestions.

Also wondering about the first witness too, perhaps Jno ?
 
 --------

We got this via our Library, but also wonder if this couple had children baptised at St Giles in the Fields?

The original full size image is poor, but have left the extract of the signatures at full size and MS auto correct has made the lettering slightly bolder.

 --------

Thank you, Mark

[..claire..]

Hi Mark

Firstly, the Bondsman is not I believe John Roe - I think this is a common use of a fictitious man " John Doe" - I've checked the following two Bonds and they are the same - John Doe on both.


I agree with the surname Stephens on the second witness - but the first is a complete mystery - have you thought about putting it on the 'Handwriting, Deciphering and Recognition' Board ?

Claire

[BushInn1746]

Hello

Well Claire, I didn't think there was a lot to decipher 

Unless it can enhanced by an RC expert, what does the moderator think?

I live 110 miles from the Archive and wondered if someone local was going sometime and might take a peek please of the original, unless Rootschatters can enhance it enough, for us to work it out?

I have auto corrected one, trimmed, darkened it and then reduced it about 50% to take out the blurring.


ADDED
Trimmed and compressed one.

Opened the image up to 100%, darkened, screen print & trim. Looks a bit like ... Wickes ?? from other side of the room. Requires a bit of screen tilting.


Hickes or Wickes ??


Thanks Mark

[dobfarm]

Possible - Hickes or Wickes

[BushInn1746]

Hello All

Thank you dobfarm & Claire.

Although I suggested Jno, now Jn', but also wondered too, if first name might begin with a T.

I have seen John abbreviated as Jn'  in old Manor documents.

A slim possible Jo' or Jos' , but not convinced, although parts of some letters appear to be too light to read in the surname, until darkened.

I don't think F would fit in the forename with what it seems to look like on the scan.

Hickes or Wickes is not a name we have come across. I was hoping for a surname, previously come across, or linked to a Scarborough Hood.

Mark