A very old book has just surfaced (published c.1629) which contains handwritten birth-dates for my ancestors (and their siblings) dating back to 1710. The key family I am interested in is...
William SMITH (b.
) = Hannah Cox (b.1715) m.10 Feb 1738/39 at Beeston (St. John the Baptist)
Phillimore's marriage transcript shows William's parish as Plumtree.
Also, according to WD Fletcher in his publication - “Leicestershire Pedigrees and Royal Descents”, published 1887 - there is a headstone in East Leeke's baptist cemetery with the inscription "“In Loving Memory of WILLIAM SMITH …. of Plumtree Beeston & East Leake …. who after 15 years total blindness …. died 1795 age 95 & lies buried here with HANNAH his wife.”
However, the only suitable baptism I can find for William Smith (using online sources) is in 1719 at Beeston, which conflicts with the inscription which suggests he was born in Plumtree c.1699.
Is anyone able to do a lookup for William's baptism in Plumtree?
Also, is anyone in a position to photograph the headstone at East Leeke for me.
thanks in advance
Dave