Sometimes we discover some fascinating stories whilst we are researching our family history and sometimes the stories find us. Now ordinarily you might wonder what my connection is to the story of an American Fighter Pilot who tragically died in WW2. So let me tell you about Arthur Leslie Brown and how his story found … Continue reading The Pilot’s Grave
Bringing Him Home
Another iconic image and another tragic story that tells of a mother's love for her son and her blind obsession with "Bringing Him Home". But who was Anna Durie and what was the story behind her picture...... Anna Bella Peel was born on 13 November 1856 in Thornhill in Upper Canada, the second daughter of … Continue reading Bringing Him Home
Unearth The Past…………..
This week I was delighted to be a guest on Dr. Michala Hulme's brand new podcast called 'Unearth The Past'. Unearth The Past takes a fresh and fun look at both history and family history and each week host, Dr. Michala Hulme is joined by special guests and will discuss the latest family history news … Continue reading Unearth The Past…………..
The Family Histories Podcast
For those of you that enjoy a really good genealogy podcast series, then why not have a listen to The Family Histories Podcast by the wonderful Andrew Martin. If you are a family history addict, which I am assuming you might be, if you are reading this blog, then you will love the Family Histories … Continue reading The Family Histories Podcast
The Boy Behind The Picture
Sometimes we discover a story that's so remarkable that even though it's not a member of your own family, we feel compelled to make sure that the story is told. The photograph of the young boy standing outside the White Star Line offices in London, holding an Evening News poster announcing ‘Titanic Disaster Great Loss … Continue reading The Boy Behind The Picture
Do You Know Who You Are?
Can you really truly know who you are, if you don't know where you came from? It's a simple enough question and one that I am sure that many family historians and probably many psychologists will have considered at some point. Even to the point of analysing why some people are so passionate and so … Continue reading Do You Know Who You Are?
The Life and Times of John Edwin Barnes
This is the latest and recently updated biography of my great-grandfather, John Edwin Barnes. It’s always good practise to periodically review and …The Life and Times of John Edwin Barnes
My Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum
A few years ago I was fortunate enough to visit the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, which holds over 300 memorials to those lives that have sadly been lost in conflict and civilian life. The Arboretum stands as a place which honours the fallen and recognises their service and their sacrifice for their country. It was first … Continue reading My Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum
DNA Kits – Should They Come With a Warning?
In the last few years there has been an explosion of DNA testing for genealogical purposes and if you are a family history researcher like me, then you will have either already taken a DNA test yourself or at least considered the possibility of taking one. But are you fully aware of the potential risks … Continue reading DNA Kits – Should They Come With a Warning?
All The Fun Of The Fair
Sometimes when we are researching our family history we stumble across a story that is so intriguing and interesting that it's just too good not to share. In this instance I would like to share with you a story that has been written and researched by Alan Mercer. I am sure that like me, you … Continue reading All The Fun Of The Fair