From Maureen’s message 1st Aug:

“I have also been sent a copy of a page from the Parish Register of Braddan showing: Elizth Sophia illegit daur of Margt Gill, father alleged Robt Gill 25th Feb 1827. “

This query is about the use of the word “alleged”. Of all the illegitimate births in the parish registers where the name of the father is given, roughly what percentage would have included the word “alleged” ? If it was relatively unusual, might this suggest that the man who was named was absent and thus was never able to refute the claim or to admit responsibility ?

Jean