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Actually a grid entry of SN is compatible with a pronunciation of ESS-EN but also with the correct pronunciation of ESSE-N. Don't forget that an N appearing in the grid doesn't have to represent EN, otherwise there would be many other inconsistencies, eg 1d.

The problem with ESSEN is that the second E is silent (so ESSE is also pronounced as the letter S is) but in the grid entry the E has to be pronounced - that is the inconsistency.

Can see both points but I'm still with gem94. Sen works just fine, as do they all as long as you pronounce them in a certain way, which may or may not be correct. So 1d ending munt and not meant makes sense 8-)

I thought this puzzle was great fun - another to add to the list of Waterloo's quirky puzzles. I only have one query which is the wordplay for 35 down (the one starting with the last letter of 34 across). There's only one word that seems to fit but I can't see how it works.

Agreed--this was a great puzzle.

For 35D, the definition is "knightly task" , and I got to it by taking away a two letter word meaning "about" from the front of a seven letter word meaning "ask". Sounds like you already know the first letter from 34A, so your guess is probably correct .

Regarding the confusion about the various options for treating the answers before entry, it is all there in demeter's beautifully clear post ( number 61 ) on this thread.

Thank you, Schorley. I was using an 8-letter word for "ask" and taking a two-letter word meaning "about" from the end. That left an intrusive "i" which baffled me!

I just have three blank squares left to fill.
Give me hints to solve 28 down, 31 and 36 across ?

Aargh... those last few entries . Hints coming up...

28D: "analyse" +E = dialect

31A: "force" - U = decorate

36A: three part anagram, definition something famously produced by Lamb (note the capital letter) and nothing to do with food!

Thanks very much all complete!

That was quick work -- well done :-)