Hi Isobel
Yes I have just found it thanks - I think its more likely to be my pc and not the site..this pc sometime jsut won't open links and attachements every so often.
am still unable to find any trace of Mark (brn1830) in the 1851 census.
I found Westmorland church record that has Thomas Barnes brn 1790 died 1879, whose wife was Margaret but brn in 1803 and died 1881 - the right date for Thomas but not for Margaret.
I have also foun Thomas and margaret in the 1871 with the same dates as the 1841 census
In the 1861 Census found Thomas living on his own and a Margaret brn 1802 (mother) living with Nancy and family - no sign of Margaret brn 1875
the plot thickens..
Thanks very much again..here me telling you about this site

well i have recomended it to laods of peeps ..it is and excellent site
Karen