Category Archives: Genealogy

My family’s own “Downton Abbey”

Apparently, in 19th century England there were more people working in service than actually working down the mines. Being employed in someone else’s household as a member of staff was an alternative available to those who, for instance, wished to … Continue reading

Posted in Berkshire, Downstairs staff, England, Genealogy, Herefordshire, Marriage, Shropshire, Work | 2 Comments

Finding Aunty Rita

Two days ago, genealogy came to life. Less than two weeks ago, you’ll remember, I posted about a recent discovery we made, concerning my grandfather’s younger half-sister, Rita. Through a distant English cousin of mine, Anne (related to us through … Continue reading

Posted in Birth, Death, Emigration, Genealogy, Italy, United States | 1 Comment

Coping with the loss of children

There is probably nothing more painful, nor more unnatural, than the death of a child. Fortunately, in the world of today fewer and fewer parents experience such a terrible loss when their children are young , but not many generations … Continue reading

Posted in Birth, Death, England, Genealogy, Spain | Leave a comment

A rather unusual marriage

In the past three years or so I have encountered just a small handful of couples whose ages were slightly apart from one another. Finding a case where the bride was a lot older than her husband was even harder. … Continue reading

Posted in England, Genealogy, Herefordshire, Marriage | 1 Comment

Runaway Dad

I know that growing without a dad is tough. If you or anyone else close to you grew up without a parent, then you know what I’m talking about. Whether it was a war, or a fatal illness which snatched … Continue reading

Posted in Argentina, Bigamy, Emigration, Genealogy, Spain | 2 Comments

The elusive Mr Davis

My first real post about my family tree ought to be dedicated, I suppose, to my latest genealogical conundrum. A couple of weeks ago, my father ordered four certificates from the General Records Office in England. All four certificates correspond … Continue reading

Posted in England, Genealogy, Herefordshire | Leave a comment

Once upon a while ago…

Opening a new blog about genealogy is something I have often wanted to do. For some odd reason, maybe with my ancestors giving me the final push I needed, and with much delay, today I have finally decided to open … Continue reading

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