Big stab in the dark here but I'm wondering if anyone can help with my search.
My GG Grandfather, Thomas Bishop, was born in 1801 in Wootton, Oxfordshire. The Wootton baptismal records record him as being the son of "Thomas and Anne" and has siblings Edward, Lydia, Siley, and Jane. We're confident to here.
Looking at the Oxfordshire Marriages I can see a "Thomas Bishop" marrying an "Ann Egglestone"
(spelling of her name varies depending where you look) from Steeple Barton, in 1790. This is the only "Thomas" who comes from Wootton in the 'correct' date range, so I think this is him. You might ask why I think he comes from Wootton, and this is where the mystery coin comes in.
The family has, handed down over the years, a George II halfpenny coin which has been inscribed with the text "Thomas Bishop born April 3 1764" on one side, and "Wootton Oxon" on the other side. We can't be certain that the text was added at the time, however I'm not sure why someone would do this without prior knowledge.
I've searched everywhere I can think of to find out more information about Thomas but have drawn a blank. Maybe I have missed something obvious. I've been over it so many times it wouldn't surprise me.
I have a website at
www.thebishopsonline.co.uk It's not entirely up to date but close enough. I've also taken the liberty of making an assumption about his ancestors in the hope that someone will notice and challenge me. Not very scientific but it has worked in the past.
It would be nice to go back some more generations, but I'm not holding my breath. Thanks in anticipation of any replies, and good luck with your research.