Hi Feels like first day at school

[mbroader]

I have been researching my family history for a year or two but came across this great site by accident. I am a mongrel with family all over England and Ireland so research has been slow.
|banghead|The parents of George Lock born in 1797 in Arundel have been a long term headache. His parents in the parish records are given as David and Frances. George my 3xgreat grandfather is next found in Weymouth in 1818 witnessing a marriage and then in 1824 marrying a local girl Ann Toby - but of his parents no trace. Were they natives of West Sussex or did they originate in Dorset? I'm stuck any help out there?

[Neil Wilson]

Hello mbroader and welcome to the forum. Have a look around and post in the revelant forums.
Enjoy yourself here, we are a helpful bunch and like a challenge or two.
Good luck with your research

[Bo Peep]

|wave|Hello mbroader and welcome to the Brit-Gen forum. I am delighted you have joined us and hope we can help with your research.

[Geoffers]

Welcome to the forums

Hi Feels like first day at school

Sit up straight - NO talking at the back!

The parents of George Lock born in 1797 in Arundel have been a long term headache. His parents in the parish records are given as David and Frances.

Did his mum and dad have the decency to live to the 1841 - or better still 1851 - census?

Is there a survey and associated map in Sussex RO for the Tithe Commutation? (TNA has the surveys in IR18) Does this record David LOCK?

What did the family do for a living? Anything that would have left a paper trial - e.g. Wills? - Were they working at the castle, or in the parish?

[mbroader]

Hi

Thanks for replying. I hope I am doing this OK.

I have only been able to correspond with Sussex RO by email as we live in Staffordshire so I don't know if they about the tithe commutations. Is there a way of finding out without going there?

I did find a Frances Lock living in Weymouth in the 1841 census as an old lady. Also a Frances Lock died in Weymouth in 1848 the widow of David Lock a coal carrier. She was 86 so that would fit. It is tempting to think they were George's parents but no proof. I can't find a will but if they are the right people they would probably have been too poor to need one.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

Margaret

[Geoffers]

I have only been able to correspond with Sussex RO by email as we live in Staffordshire so I don't know if they about the tithe commutations. Is there a way of finding out without going there?

It depends how good their online catalogue is - if they have one - some are very good so that you can identify specific documents which will help your research, and order copies. Some have their records indexed on Access to Archives; some don't have an online catalogue.

Perhaps you might try an email or telephone call to them?

I did find a Frances Lock living in Weymouth in the 1841 census as an old lady.

Born in the county, or not?

Also a Frances Lock died in Weymouth in 1848 the widow of David Lock a coal carrier. She was 86 so that would fit. It is tempting to think they were George's parents but no proof. I can't find a will but if they are the right people they would probably have been too poor to need one.

Even if there wasn't a will, admon (Letters of administration) may have been granted. For the information you can get, it is always worth looking to see if there was probate/admon granted.

[mbroader]

Hi

Thanks for replying again. I will take your advice and will probably start by phoning the RO and see what they suggest. Frances was born in county. I have wondered if the family were actually returning to Dorset after some time spent in Arundel. Anyway thanks for your help - the search continues!

[Geoffers]

I did find a Frances Lock living in Weymouth in the 1841 census as an old lady. Also a Frances Lock died in Weymouth in 1848 the widow of David Lock a coal carrier. She was 86

NBI has a Frances LOCK buried 18 Jan 1848 at Wyke Regis aged 86
Couldn't find an entry for David Lock

[mbroader]

Hi

Thanks again. Her death certificate says she died on 13th January so it the same person I'm sure.