On this day in history ------ Looking for an “OTDIH” event amongst the Holylands, I found the baptism of Thomas Holyland, who was baptised on 6 May 1679 in Desford, Leicestershire, the son of William Holyland. There’s nothing particular about Thomas or his family, but perhaps their very “ordinariness” makes it worthwhile to look at their lives. Thomas’s father, William (my 10th great uncle!!) was baptised in Desford in 1625. He married relatively late, the marriage of William and Elizabeth Elliott taking place in the nearby village of Rearsby in 1658; William was described in the parish register as a “yeoman”. This however was a shortlived marriage as “Elisabeth ye wife of Willia Holiland” was buried in Desford only 15 months later. There is no record of any children of this marriage; the timings would make me suspect that Elizabeth may have died in pregnancy or childbirth and the child not survived. William then left Desford – why, I do not know. He next reappe
