Dear List,
I have just received a copy of the 1817 marriage at Clifford, Herefordshire of James
MEREDITH, Bachelor of Hay and Mary Jones, Spinster. She is said to be 'also of this
parish' so I don't know whether this means that she was also of Hay or whether it
means that she was of Clifford. The 'also' would tend to support the former. The
marriage was 'by licence with consent of parents'. James and Mary both signed and
the witnesses who also signed were John Meredith and Catharine Jones. I think this may be
the same James and Mary Meredith that baptized two daughters Margaret (my gggg g-mother)
and Sophia in Brilley, Herefordshire in 1822 and also Mary in 1825. James was a
labourer/farmer. In the 1851 census (of Gilwern, Breconshire), Mary gives her birthplace
as Abbeydore. James Meredith may have originated over the border in Breconshire somewhere
in the Hay-on-Wye area. I'd be very grateful if anyone could offer any information
about this family or James and Mary's origins. Searche!
s of the 1841 census for the parishes of Brilley and Eardisley (where Margaret was first
married in August 1841) have failed to find them. Any information would be greatly
appreciated.
Best wishes
James