Hello.I am completely stuck with my Birketts.In the family bible the first entry is Squire Birkett of Cumberland who married Susan Draycott an Heiress. Their first child was George William Birkett abt.1770.From there on the children of George are born in Berkshire.
No more mention anywhere of Squire Birkett or Susan Draycote.In the decendants bowever we have Hugh de Paynesley Birkett born 1880,Draycote de la Garde Birkett born 1878 to name a few always carrying the names Paynesley and Draycote in the Birkett names. I understand Paynesley is a name from Staffordshire or Westmoreland and can refer back to Sir John Draycote of Paynesley.Its all supposition but have often found that names hold the clues. The ancestors of this line of Birketts did seem to be extremly well off.
Sorry can't come up with a village and have contacted the Cumbria Record Office but they have not found anything.
Rose Birkett Reynolds