Faint hope - Clergyman in Headbourne Worthy, Hants

I have really hit a brick wall.

Facts

A 1781 Trial references a William Taylor, clergyman living "near
Winchester".

CWatters...

I assume you know a Ron Taylor in Vancouver Canada?

Various research conclusively proves this was William Taylor of
Headbourne Worthy.

He was definitely resident in HW in 1768 when his daughter Phyllis
married as he signed register as a witness.

Charani...

Actually, you can't be sure he was resident unless he was conducting
services regularly. He may have travelled there specifically for his
dau's wedding.

Sorry to through a spanner in the works :((

Charani...

^^^^^^
That should have been "throw". I really shouldn't try answering posts
with two children bickering in the background!

Jeff...

You wouldn't be the first!!!

Charani...

Probably won't be the last either :))

Actually I am pretty sure as the trial transcript refers to my ancestor
going to the home of a "clergyman near Winchester" and later marrying
his daughter.

Charani...

That's fair enough :))

hedleyh...

Or even throw, of course, :-) but it reminded me of a lovely story.
A junior engineer had to carry out some work on the ship's engine,
which involved removing the cylinder head. When the engine was started
up there was a horrible clanging so they shut down straight away.
The chief engineer said "Get that cylinder head off - and I want to be
present when you lift it". Without calling his chief, the junior lifted
the head and lowered a little oil lamp down to the piston top. Sure
enough there was a spanner lying there which he managed to extract by
lowering a magnet on a length of cord. He then replaced the cylinder
head and called his chief. On lifting the head, they looked into the
cylinder and there was the little oil lamp still merrily burning!

Charani...

Oops!!!

I'd guess both were very much involved with church as Phyllis frequently
signs as a witness at marriages around this time.

He was not either vicar or curate at HW ever.

Winchester diocese can't locate him as clergyman in area.

Alumni lists from Oxford/Cambridge are inconclusive (Taylor is an
annoyingly common name as is William )

I appreciate he could have been a retired clergyman from almost
anywhere, but my "gut feel" is that he had some ecclesiastical
connection with HW. Although how that could be if he was not the Vicar
or Curate escapes me.

The "online Parish Clerk" for HW was unable to help.

I appreciate I've given very little to work on but if anybody has any
suggestions I'd be very grateful.