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Salcombe baptisms

Posted by Paul Jackson on 17/8/2026, 1:38 am

An entry in transcripts of the baptism Parish Register for Salcombe shows a baptism taking place on 24 February 1828, for Elizabeth Bassett, and that her parents were James (a mason) and Elizabeth. I can find no other traces of the parent Elizabeth (across many databases) although there are several other baptisms in Bigbury and Salcombe about this period for children of James Bassett (a mason) and Mary. Census records for Bigbury (and later, Plymouth) only find a family headed by James (a mason) and Mary. I wonder if you might be able to check microfilm/the original of the Salcombe register for Elizabeth’s baptism in 1828 and verify if the mother’s name was indeed Elizabeth?

Re: Salcombe baptisms

Posted by Judith on 17/8/2026, 1:26 pm, in reply to "Salcombe baptisms"

I think this is a mistake by the vicar, not uncommon. He has the fathers name, and asks the father , mothers name? and the father says Elizabeth meaning his own mother, not the babys mother which is what the vicar wants to know. I think I spotted her marriage in Jersey, where she gives fathers name as James, and occupation a mason.
James is the son of Richard and Elizabeth, baptised Bigbury 1785.

Re: Salcombe baptisms

Posted by Judith on 17/8/2026, 1:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Salcombe baptisms"

I think Jersey must have been the place to elope to in those days, Elizabeth married William Balston of Broadmayne, in St Helier 2.12.1844. In Jersey they put the place of birth as well, she says Salcombe and he Broadmayne. Hope this helps.

Re: Salcombe baptisms

Posted by Paul Jackson on 18/8/2026, 8:44 am, in reply to "Re: Salcombe baptisms"

Thanks for the insight Judith - making this assumption helps clear up a brick wall for me. Elizabeth and William Balston married just before their first daughter (my gg grandmother) was born in St. Helier. The family then moved to Melcombe Regis and I can follow their story. Paul

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