The MALVERN mystery of 1792 in Newent (General)

by jackmalvern, Friday, January 30, 2009, 02:24 (5849 days ago)

I have come across a bit of a mystery in my search for my ancestor Charles MALVERN (my great great great grandfather). According to census records from 1861 he was born in Newent in 1792, but there is no matching baptism record.

However, there is a baptism record for Joseph MALVERN for that date in Newent. The register notes that he was born of Samuel and Mary MALVERN and that he was born a "pauper". (Samuel's burial record confirms that he was living in an alms house when he died.)

I have a theory that Joseph was adopted by his uncle Charles MALVERN (born 1747) and renamed after his adoptive father. (I have a copy of the will of Charles (born 1747) that states that he has a son called Charles, to whom he leaves £100, demonstrating that there was money in this branch of the family.)

Is there anyone out there who:
a) knows about adoption customs in the late 18th century, and whether it was common practice for children to be renamed; or
b) has studied the MALVERN family themselves and has another theory?

I would be grateful for any guidance.

Jack Malvern