Conflicting marriage records for Joseph Ayres of Merton

[KarenSimons93]

Hi all, I'm just wondering if anyone could help me to figure this out...

Joseph Ayres was born c.1768, according to his burial record (he died in 1840 at Merton, Oxfordshire). His wife's name was Elizabeth, and they baptised several children at Merton.

I have found two records which both seem to belong to the same Joseph Ayres: one is a banns record in Merton in 1790 between Joseph Ayres and Elizabeth Reynolds (both of this parish), and another is a marriage record at Tackley in 1791 between Joseph Ayres of Merton and Elizabeth Hall of Tackley.

So, which one is correct? 🤔

I've been unable to find a likely baptism for Elizabeth Hall anywhere nearby. Whilst there is a potential baptism for Elizabeth Reynolds at Merton, that may have been a different woman, as there's a marriage to a different man at Merton which seems to fit. Alternatively, perhaps the banns were read between Joseph and Elizabeth Reynolds, but the actual marriage never went ahead (therefore she married the other man?).

I'd really appreciate any help in solving this mystery. Thanks in advance! 😊

I've also been unable to narrow down a baptism for Joseph Ayres... Although there is a possible one at Steeple Claydon, Buckinghamshire in 1766.

[LizzieL]

Just looked at the JA to Elizabeth Reynolds record. Very odd. The book has the format which combines Banns with the record of the marriage. The date of Banns (all 3 readings Nov 1790) have been written in the top section, but instead of the lower section being used to record their marriage, it records a completely different marriage which was by licence over a year later.
Both JA and ER were of the parish, so we're not looking for another set of banns readings elsewhere. 

[LizzieL]

The only Elizabeth Reynolds I can find baptised in Merton was in 1773. She would be a minor when banns with JA were read. Maybe there was parental objection and the marriage could not go ahead. She would be 21 when she married Joseph Pinfold / Penfold. Assuming there is only one Elizabeth Reynolds at this time in Merton.

[LizzieL]

Looking at the marriage in Tackley of Joseph to Elizabeth Hall, it was by licence, so no banns needed. he signed his name Eyres. Looks like he might have practised hard to write his name, it doesn't look very fluent.
Maybe the licence still exist and might give more information