I don't think I can add anything to the readings of the upper first name, but regarding the upper surname:
- The second character in the surname is a loop created on an upward stroke, which to me indicates an 'e', not an 'o'. It just doesn't look like Hough to me.
- I think the middle characters of the upper surname could be a double 's' (there are small loops at the bottom) making the surname possibly Hessils. Unfortunately FreeBMD has no Hessils. But there are several Hessels - however, the final vowel (if that's what it is) in the signature looks more like an undotted 'i' than an 'e' to me.
Regarding the curlicues/descenders:
- If that is a curlicue on the W of Woodford, then it appears that the surname is preceded by two curlicued initials - Mr/Ms Woodford would seem to have liked curlicued capitals! The second initial is then definitely a W, but the first is difficult to decipher, since the top overlays part of the upper surname, and the linking bit of the curlicue is too faint to see. Going through the alphabet, I think the first initial would have to be F, I, J, or T as there does appear to be a cross-stroke.
- To me the curlicues don't appear to line up closely enough with anything on the upper signatures to be descenders. But there may be other descenders overlaying the main strokes of the two Ws. The final letter of the upper first name could well be a y. the W of Woodford does appear smudged, and there may be a descender, seperate from the curlicue, in there somewhere.
Pete
