Slowhands, I think you are probably correct in tracing William. I didn't know how to confirm it, so I looked at any William Clarkes born in Gloucestershire within a five year window of 1780 . . . and there were three.

In 1841 one, born in 1783 was living in Longborough. A second, born in 1776 was living in Stonehouse. And the third, listed as born in 1781 was living in the Forest of Dean . . . and that is the William who's lineage we have been looking at.

For a child born in Blakeney, it makes a certain amount of sense that the one living in Blakeney is the most likely choice.

And I suspect the choice of RICHARD STEVEN makes a certain amount of sense if you have a recent ancestor whose name happens to be RICHARD STEPHENS. . .