A few words need deciphering please

[Steve Bumstead]

You could be right Burt - it's difficult to see if there is a closing of the letter at the top or not. I've tried to look at the final a's and n's of other words, but nothing conclusive appears. The fact that it would appear the vicar made up a name makes me conclude the mother either abandoned the child or, more likely, died giving birth. Has the burial register been checked?

 

[AnnB]

I've just checked the burial register for Wicken Bonhunt on SEAX. It only has one burial recorded for 1608 and that is for a John Howlande. The next burials are for 1611.

 

[Archie's Mum]

Given the name of Wicken or Wickea might have something to do with Mum being accused of witchcraft. Just a thought. Hopefully whoever took this baby in would change her name.

 

[Findem]

I read the baby's name as Wicken, not Wickea!

I'll have another look at that, it makes more sense.