I have managed to get a little snippet of information on William Thompson senior - the very helpful people at the Bristol Archives, despite not being booked in - very kindly found the licence for Wm Senior and Sarah Court - In it John Court and Wm Thompson put up £1000 and William is described as a Corn Factor - don't know much about Corn Factors but think this is likely a dealer or trader - so that could account for the link to Newfoundland - i am going to the reference library tomorrow to see if they have trade directories going back that far. I am fair pleased as apart from birth of his children and marriage dates this is the 1st piece of information i have managed to find.