Surname on baptism 1920 Lambeth and convention with no father shown

[Fredsboy]

Afternoon all,

I can read "John, son of" and abode as "Workhouse". Mother seems to be Ann XX

I have seen no fathers and usually just left blank, was it up to the registrar to fill in as they saw fit?
P

[josey]

I think it says 'Unknown parents' then 'unknown' = maybe a foundling?

[arthurk]

I agree with 'Unknown parents', so quite likely a foundling.

However, I think the abode is Workhouse - note there are two letters with ascenders ('-kh-') rather than one.

[josey]

I agree with workhouse, arthurk, I was a bit hasty!

[Fredsboy]

Thank you both. Was is common at the time to separate Un and known. I notice a lot of hyphens in street addresses but little use elsewhere. I daren't pick up a book on the subject in case I get hooked on that as well

[Fredsboy]

Learning tip for me - the actual entry has three above more clearly 'workhouse'. I'll add more reference content in the future

[josey]

Was is common at the time to separate Un and known.

I think it was probably a case of taking the nib off the paper to prevent a splodge of ink or to dip it in ink again then leaving a gap unwittingly.