Genealogy Chat

Thank you to everybody who has contributed to this thread - our ancestors are all fascinating whether ag lab or socialising with elderstatesmen the window into history is so interesting. This little gem of discovery has shown me how 'sterile' just finding bmd info is - it is the stories (whether embellished or not) that make the people come to life. Harriet

I am tenth cousin twice removed of George H W Bush Other half`s second cousin twice removed was knighted so was a Sir.

Hi Harriet. What a small world! Several generations of my lot had connections to the Duke of Wellington, too - they were labourers on his estate! (Stratfield Saye in Hants) So, no dosh coming down from them - they had none! But how exciting for you, to find that connection. Bx

And Francis Eastwood's father was an Apothecary too ;-)

Charles - I'll add to that. My OH is descended from a bunch of ag labs - but back there are a couple of farmers - several hundred acres of land - and I expect a bit of money. He was descended from a younger son of a younger son ... Jill

I should just add at this point that I come from a quite unremarkable branch of the family, live in a semi and am very ordinary! Heather - where can I find details of wills? KR Harriet

Nope ... mine are all agricultural labourers, framework knitters, masons, tailors and paupers. The nearest I get to history is an engineer. Its actually quite reassuring to know I come from such an unremarkable and unremarked family.

Oh brilliant Harriet. In that case you should check out his will because they took their duties seriously as god parents and she should get a mention in the dosh hand outs.

Charles, there was such a small population at one time that I have little doubt everyone can trace themselves back to aristocracry - even I have. Ag labs may have been direct descendants of a Lord of the Manor but only the eldest son got the dosh and land. The other 10 or whatever would have got a lot less and once they had 10 kids each well - it doesnt take many generations to go from land owner to land worker. Keep on trekking, youll find something exciting one day.

I'm sure that many of you will have had far more exciting finds than me in your family research but I just had to share my discovery as it felt as though I was 'touching history'. I discovered today that my first cousin's (3times removed) godfather was the 1st Duke of Wellington - the very same that fought at Waterloo. It was an amazing discovery and far better than just collecting BMD info!. KR Harriet