Betty Meteyard, Betty Meechard Henstridge baptisms 1777

[Redroger]

There are two records on this baptismal list which have given me grief for years;
i.e.June 13 1777Baptised John Luffman* base son of Betty Metyard

    July 6 John son of Betty Meechard (base born)

  * The surname Lufman though readily legible had been scored through, the archivist told me that this was a device used when the clergyman though they knew the father's identity.

 My direct question is In view of the non standardisation of soelling at this time are Betty Metyard and Betty Meechard the same person? If so, why either baptise the boy twice, or give two sons the same forename?
This has been a problem to me for over twenty years, and I would like to resolve it if at all possible.

[warncoort]

At which parish did this take place?
What year was the second child baptised?
Is there a burial for one child?

[Redroger]

As stated in my original post the parish was HENSTRIDGE, the year 1777, and the two baptisms took place three weeks apart in June and July respectively. I am sorry if this was not clear initially

[BumbleB]

I would think they are two separate families - from the image of the parish register they are consecutive baptisms.

1780 shows another spelling of the surname - Meatyard - 23 February - Robert base son of Betty, with a further son - Thomas, baptised 25 December 1782.

[Redroger]

Yes, Robert was also baptised again, later the same year (1780) at Boltonsborough (Som),as Robert Luffman, base son of Betty Meatyard. I have been unable to find him anywhere since.
I believe it is likely John is my 2xgreat grandfather. If you want a read do a search for the threads on Rootschat under John Luffman, mostly posted by me. I would be grateful I may have missed something in the replies.

[BumbleB]

Very interesting regarding the baptisms    I'll have a look at your other threads.