How many Bastards do you have in your tree

[Ninatoo]

Admittedly, I had two mothers who had three children each outside wedlock so it was easy for me to find "more than six".

Of my illegitimates, there is only ONE who has named the father, and he signed the certificate for his child.  They never married, but they are named as man and wife on the daughter's marriage certificate years later.

Of the rest, some hinted at the father's surname with a middle name of the child.

Nina

PS: what are bastardy bonds and where are they held?

[bearkat]

You should find bastardy bonds among parish poor law records along with settlement and removal orders at the county archives.
Example of info given:
bastard daughter of Amy SMITH born 13 Jul 1843 reputed father James OXLEY, servant

Wonderful IF you can find one.

[Ninatoo]

Thanks bearkat,

Fortunatley for me none of my illegitimates are in my direct line as yet, so I have just let them be.  Just as well since I live in australia by the sounds of it, hehe!

Nina

[XPhile2868]

I've found two so far, but one is more of a relative than a direct ancestor.

[bearkat]

Some poor law records are available on CDrom.
It's worth looking.

[PassionPlay]

I have lots.... in one family of 9 children the husband was killed after the birth of number 2.  You might let her off one, but you cannot say that seven were accidental.

I would love to have a chat with her now 

Steph.

[Boongie Pam]

I think I'm in triple figures now.

You could say it runs in the family - but you can only sure of half the family!

All good fun.

P

[jillruss]

I have 9 by one lady (lady!?) - my ggg grandmother. Beat that!!

I'm still trying to find out how she managed to bring them up without a husband but I think the truth is gradually dawning..   


Jill

[mc8]

probably an extra five if I can't find my parents marriage certificate