hi slowhands,

Thanks (again) for the info above.... I am starting to get confused with Maria Cook/e:

In 1851 she is at home with her parents (Richard and Maria Cooke)

In 1859 she has a child Charlotte Cook

In 1861:

In April (census) William Mansell is living at home with his parents
Charlotte Cook is now with Maria's parents, listed as daughter.
Maria is not at her parents, not at William's and I can't find her anywhere.

In October, William Manselle marries Jane whatever-her-name-was.

In 1871, Maria and 5 children with her surname are living with William Mansell.

Where is Maria in 1861, and how can I tell which children 'belong' to William?

Please help, I'm losing sanity!

Rachel x