Family tree suprises

[Trouble3]

I remember being told as a kid that we were related to Thomas Hardy, but thought it was a load of rubbish... gossip or chinese whispers.

A few years ago my mother started our family tree and found that we are directly related to one of Thomas Hardy's sisters. Well, who knew... it wasn't gossip.

Still haven't read any of his books or poetry.

[loolieboo1410]

Dad did our family history in the days before tinterweb (do you remember that far back? ! ) We spent many hours being dragged around graveyards as kids. We come from a very notable Derbyshire family who owned many lovely properties and land. One of which is now a posh hotel.

The family owned a house in which Charlotte Bronte stayed many times and is believed to be the house which became Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre (Bet you can't guess what my maiden name is... )

[JudgeJ26]

My uncle had a friend who traced our family back to Catherine Parr - the sixth wife of Henry VIII.

[Guest]

How do you all manage to trace your family history? I'd love to do this but found places like ancestry quite pricey

[Tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by ERICSMUM

One of our great Great uncles was killed on the Somme in 1917. I managed to find details of his grave and a photo of his gravestone, in a French war cemetery.

He was posthumously awarded a couple of medals and my next “project” is to find out more about them and where they are now.

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Wow that’s amazing.

Originally Posted by CLB_14

How do you all manage to trace your family history? I'd love to do this but found places like ancestry quite pricey

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I joined for a year and just went for it. I agree it’s very expensive but it’s the best way to start


I discovered my great great great grandmother was put in an asylum by her husband ( Ireland). Her three children went to live with him. He then put the Childers in an orphanage and buggared off with another woman

I find the cultural history as interesting as the family tree.

Did anyone watch Danny Dyer on who do you think
You are... and his direct lineage to the first king of England.?

[ERICSMUM]

Originally Posted by welovemushu

If you haven't done already, please visit the website 'everymanremembered' and enter any detail you have about him, however small. This project is to ensure that as much information about our brave soldiers is recorded for all time. My great great uncle was lost at the Somme 02/10/1916 and is remembered at Thiepval .
We have recently found his photo in a booklet and intend loading up all the details we have about James. I also found his 'will' which is simply his last letter home on the government will website . Hth

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Thank you, I didn’t know about this but it sounds very interesting and I’ll give it a go.

[Orlandobelle]

I've been doing my family tree for years. Few WW1 stories (inc being involved in the Fromelles investigations a few years back) but mainly good working class stock - lots of miners and labourers.

Latest discovery though is direct Romany ancestors from the original families to come over from Spain.

[HobosMum]

I've dipped in and out over the years. Saddest thing I've found is that my husbands great grandfather died in a mining accident whilst saving the life of another miner.

[stormflm595]

Apparently I have an ancestor who was a sailor (i believe in the 1700s). He had a nasty accident in which his leg was blown off by a cannon ball.

I'd love to look properly into my heritage though but agree with Ancestry being too pricey for me.

[Pjamas]

I love family tree surprises and have enjoyed more than my fair share!

I have used DNA genealogy to fill in the blanks and it has been fascinating and life changing - absolutely addictive hobby though. It is absolutely possible to fill in your family tree using DNA ancestry tests and if anyone wonders if they have surprises, test! Amazing technology.