Author Topic: Scottish OPR Decipher 1691  (Read 291 times)

Offline USCRx

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Scottish OPR Decipher 1691
« on: Thursday 01 September 22 17:34 BST (UK) »
Would someone be kind to decipher all the words/symbols of this birth record of my ancestor, John Lyell, in 1691? It was recorded in the parish records of Cockburnspath.

Offline USCRx

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Re: Scottish OPR Decipher 1691
« Reply #1 on: Thursday 01 September 22 18:11 BST (UK) »
For clarification, here's the entry for the birth on FamilySearch. I'm mostly interested in the word immediately below the date (September 13), the word or symbol before John Lyell's name, is the child's name "John Lyell" or "John Laird" (a middle name), and are the names below the names of witnesses of the christening?

Offline Bookbox

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Re: Scottish OPR Decipher 1691
« Reply #2 on: Thursday 01 September 22 19:19 BST (UK) »
I'm mostly interested in the word immediately below the date (September 13),

Looking at the page as posted, I think perhaps it's the abbreviated place of residence of the parents:

Coldin: = Coldingham?
Oldham: = Oldhamstocks?
Cock = Cockburnspath?
(Just from looking at a map. However, Coldingham is about 10 miles distant, and someone who knows the area might have a better suggestion.)

the word or symbol before John Lyell's name,

It’s an ornate capital B for Baptised.

is the child's name "John Lyell" or "John Laird" (a middle name)

Neither. It’s not a middle name, but lawll = abbreviation for lawful (legitimate). Compare other similar entries on the page.

and are the names below the names of witnesses of the christening?

I would say so. That is where you would expect to find the witnesses' names, and they are prefaced by a letter w.

Offline GR2

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Re: Scottish OPR Decipher 1691
« Reply #3 on: Thursday 01 September 22 20:05 BST (UK) »
I agree with Bookbox. The witnesses are John Bishop and John Lyell.


Offline USCRx

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Re: Scottish OPR Decipher 1691
« Reply #4 on: Thursday 01 September 22 21:06 BST (UK) »
Thanks so much! You guys are amazing!