I am trying to find the birth registration or baptism of Joseph Ronald Clift in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, c1882. No entry is listed for either of the two dates I have for his birth: 15 October 1882 (shown on Baptism record at Holy Trinity. He was baptised or re-baptised at the age of 15 years), & 29 November 1882, (on 1939 Register).
The 1891 census shows Joseph age 7 years, together with his younger brother James Clift (age 5 years), in Stroud Workhouse. Then no trace of Joseph or James, until Joseph appears at the age of 15 years in the Gordon Boys Home, West End, Woking, Surrey, and at the age of 15 years he is baptised (C of E), on 30 November 1897, at Holy Trinity, West End, Surrey. I am wondering if this is because he was previously baptised into another religion as a baby.
I would add that he is known as Joseph Clift until his marriage certificate (1904) when he is shown as Joseph Ronald Clift and his father as Joseph James Clift, deceased, occupation: Coal Merchant. I can find no trace of his father either. Joseph married Alice Lilian Robinson, in Chelsea, London, and lived there until he died in 1950 (age 68 years). I would be grateful for any help or information anyone can give me to find Joseph (Ronald) Clift and his parents in Minchinhampton. Thank you. Carole