Marion: thanks for all the information, and thanks to everyone who contributed to this extremely interesting thread.
However, it seems to have turned up another problem for me - i.e. that I am now in a complete muddle with my info!
For instance: I now have two George Meeks in my tree - one born around 1800 who married Elizabeth Davis and had four children: Thomas 1821, Elizabeth 1831, William 1833, and George 1835, [there may be others] and George Meek baptised 6th May 1801, the son of Joseph Meek and Ann Harris.
Have I made a mistake somewhere, or are they one and the same person?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. You mention that you have some more information that might be helpful to me - yes please!
Sorting out the Meeks is a nightmare!