Grandmother

[the happy granny]

Yes they may have been,but I am not sure where I can access births abroad.I would have thought they would have had a record at the GRO and I have looked at births abroad on 1837 online.It's funny because Richard and Cornelia, Henry's parents, are missing from the 1881 census too along with Henry, but if he was stationed abroad or on a ship would they appear?I think there has been a cover up somewhere..she must be in someones family tree.or she was adopted in which case we may never know!!

[BenB]

Hi
If they live in Portsmouth & Henry was in the Navy the National Archive at Kew maybe worth a visit or two.
 From these pages I was prompted to obtain a book 'Tracing your Ancestors in the Public Record Office' by Amanda Bevan which I purchased at Kew recently.
Chapter 19 19.1 through to 20.9 contains all things Naval.
Available are such things as Muster Books, Pay Books, Ratings certificates, Service Records, Pensions, Reserve lists, etc etc. certainly a trip to Kew maybe of benefit I wish you luck
BenB

[the happy granny]

thanks BenB....I will take up your advice...greatly appreciated...I need all the luck I can get!!