Thomas Reynolds was baptized at St. Edburg’s Church, Bicester (pronounced “BISSter”), Oxfordshire, England on 6 April 1831 by Rev. L. G. Dryden of the Church of England.
Double Entry
Thomas’ baptism was recorded twice on the same page, but in different hands.
The first entry lists Thomas’ birth date as 13 March (incorrect) and the residence of his parents as Bicester M. E. (Market End) or Wretchwick. This is presumed to be in Reverend L. G. Dryden’s hand. Wretchwick Hamlet was listed on a later census as the birthplace of Thomas’ father, William.
The second entry, two lines down from the first, lists Thomas’ birth date as 13 November (correct) and residence as Bicester Market End. This is presumed to be in Reverend W. D. Sheard’s hand. The handwriting in the book seems to be that of W. D. Sheard going forward. It is likely that Dryden was transferred and replaced by Sheard and the confusion caused by the change resulted in the double entry. Dryden was later the vicar of Ambrosden, a village not far from Merton and Bicester.
Transcription
Page 199.
BAPTISMS solemnized in the Parish of Bicester
in the County of Oxford in the Year 1831
| When Baptized. | Child’s Christian Name. | Parents Name. Christian | Parents Name. Surname | Abode. | Quality, Trade, or Profession. | By whom the Ceremony was performed |
| April 6th born March 13 No. 1586 | Thomas Son of | William & Elizabeth | Reynolds | Bicester or Wretchwick M. E. | Farmer | L. G. Dryden Offs Minister |
| April 6 born Nov. 13 1830 No. 1588 | Thomas Son of | William Elizabeth | Reynolds | Bicester M. E. | Farmer | By the Revd L. G. Dryden according to his Certificate – W. D. Sheard |
Source
Baptism record: Ancestry.com, Oxfordshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1915: St. Edburg’s Church, Bicester, Oxfordshire, 1813-1831, p. 199 Ancestry p. 106), No. 1586 & 1588.