Chester, Cheshire
On January 6, 1662 a Francis Staveley married Jane HAYES at Chester. Over the years there has been much speculation that this marriage was for Francis Staveley of Capplebank, West Witton in North Yorkshire. Francis had been previously married to his first wife Elizabeth, with whom he had two sons, Roger and William in Wensley. Francis' wife Elizabeth died in 1658. We then have evidence in the West Witton christening registers that Francis took a second wife Jane, but they weren't married in that parish, or any of the nearby parishes. It is indeed possible that this Chester marriage was for Francis Staveley of West Witton, however, no conclusive proof has been found to date. If it is indeed Francis of Capplebank, it is presumed that the association with Chester is perhaps merely as a result of his bride's family. Francis already had a home in Wensley, Yorkshire, and there is no evidence as yet to tie these Wensley Staveleys directly to Cheshire.