110 Notes from the Register Books of the Parish of Preshute 
The only entry of a marriage in the year 1654 is as follows :— 
“John Rayshe & Cicely Collar was married by Mr. William Blissett 
Marlborough the seaventh day of Aug. 1654.” 
None of the subsequent entries refer in any way to the matter. 
Evidence is not wanting that the parish was situated on a high 
road much used by travellers, as entries occur from time to time of 
the baptism of children of strangers and travelling women. One 
such entry is as follows :— 
“1628. Thomas ye sonne of Rebecca Wilkes a traviling wom. was baptized 
ye fourth July. She was delivered in Ric. Godderd’s house of Manton as she 
was Travailing towards Warmister to some friends ; her husband’s name was 
John prest for a souldier upo. ye last action into France as appeared by her 
ctificate.” 
This “ action ’’ must have been the war with France in the years 
1627-9, when the Duke of Buckingham unsuccessfully attempted 
to relieve Rochelle. The woman apparently held a certificate 
permitting her to travel. 
The child of another “travelling woman” was appropriately 
baptized ‘“ Benoni,’ or, as it appears to have been written, 
“ Benioni.”’ 
Another entry records the baptism on November 26th, 1682, of:— 
“Thomas a strange child beinge found left in a Basket in St. Margarets 
Street the father or mother could not be known.” 
The poor little stranger did not long survive its abandonment, 
as its burial is recorded on the 7th December following. Another 
entry records the baptism on the 10th May, 1694, of :— 
“Robart a strang. child yt was left in Giels More’s enternce in Manton.” 
Other entries record, the baptism on the 11th February 1613-14, 
of :— ; 
“Tsabell ye daughter of John Hayes & Bridgett his wife of Spur Alley in ye 
County of Midx delivd at ye signe of ye George.” 
On the 2nd February, 1640-1, the burial of :—- 
“A stranger yt. died upon Barton Downe.” 
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