General Chat

I would love to trace my tree but cant find any of them boo hoo its such a complicated lot Hope you dont mind me joining in anyhow will have a big celebration if I find anybody Linda

Joy I try to do that with my lot, but for me it's quite difficult. They all come from the East End. When they were first there in the 1860's it was just marshland. Then when the docks were built a whole new town grew up - Canning Town, which was great. I could follow the census's page by page to see who lived next to who. Who married the girl over the road, who's younger brother married who's older sister etc. Then that nasty Mr Hitler decided to flatten the lot! Almost all of the roads have gone or been renamed. Then in the 1980's the whole area was rebuilt yet again, so where my g-uncle kept his horse's ( he was a Totter, a rag & bone man) is now a busy flyover. Where most of mine lived is now 'Docklands' If anyone else is out there researching West Ham or Poplar they know exactly what I mean. Sandra

My hubby thinks I'm crazy! could be because we live in Turkey and he has trouble remembering when he was really born. Just returned from a much needed trip to the UK, and thanks to my cousins wife have loads of photo's info and stuff. I was able to provide them with info on old photos too, as my favourite rainy day game as a kid was rummaging through my grans photo bag. Amazing how much you take in. Scary thing is I have a photo of grandma in 1916 (she was around 21 at the time) and apart from the clothes it was like looking in the mirror! Magi - Istanbul

Alison My hubby looks at me like that but i don't let it worry me. Ann

Gwyneth, just found a museum of costume in Dumfries and will be going in the near future! i'll blame it on you when hubby has a fit!!!

Daily from husband .....

yep i get well strange looks...even worse when i say how ive met a load of you and when i talk about the upcoming meets! xx

Hi Sandra!!!! Yes, mine were from the same area as you know. I've just made contact with a 3rd cousin who is descended from the same lot - my dad's side who were all shipwrights working for Thames Ironworks. Thats the other plus isn't it - making contact with living rellies - working forward as well as back! Maz. XX

Children and hubby have glazed look in eyes. Children used to ask after trips to records library "found anymore dead ones, mum". Generally I get "Oh, really" from others.

I have also had the odd look, but when they find out how much goes into it, some of them change their minds, my son of 23 has started doing his dads line, as he has all the info for my line from me, it's not just for the old it's for any one who is nosey... Bev

No, I'm glad to say most people are either equally enthusiastic, or they at least feign interest! I expect they are really thinking "at least she's not a trainspotter!" haha! nell

Sandra, that was very cruel of Mr Hitler to do that! I have also found that some streets no longer exist which is a pain! But I like to pore over maps to find out whereabouts they were and, if possible, what has taken their place. I have been to Penzance / Gulval / Madron in Cornwall, Plymouth in Devon, and villages in Suffolk (one being Little Glemham), where some of my family come from and had a wonderful time. I also like to buy books about places, and have some brilliant ones of Wandsworth, Tooting, Lambeth and Streatham - where my Mum and Dad, and other family relatives came from. Joy

Yes, my Son definitely thinks I've lost the plot for sure. Others are more polite and turn away to yawn hehehe. Mind you when they realise just how much there is to find out, suddenly they want to know if you can tell them anything about their rellies??? If only it was that easy LOL. Jan

Alison, I started looking into my family tree when I lived and worked in London aged 22. I found out who my ancestors were, how many children they had and where they came from and started a mental journey into my own history that I found far more interesting than the history lessons that I did at school. In my research I discovered what my ancestors all did and made up stories and scenarios to explain their personal circumstances. I learned about old occupations and about how and where they lived. I made interesting contacts upon the way. I've sadly met the same narrow minded airheads who are self-interested and only interested in the volume of liquid that they can consume to get drunk!! You have an interest that will carry on, that can be furthered or left for years or passed on to your own family to continue. You have an enquiring mind that the youth of today don't use, be proud. I'm only 40 but can't stand today's youth's obsession with here and now. After all we have those that have been to thank for our being here. Louise.

I have had a similar reaction, mainly from the younger people I work with, until I offered to look up their families for them, now they are getting interested too! There is a collection of costumes etc in Norwich, and I agree the fashions are fascinating. Does anyone else find themselves doing this? Someone says, "What`s the time?" Answer "18.22" My reply "That was when gt gt gt grandfather William was born....!" Their reply "YAWN!" Frances

Hi Maz Isn't it great when you meet up with a relation, they can give you so much more info, or just confirm what you already know. As you know I met up with a 'relative' at Mile End. We can't work out how we are related yet, maybe you can help? Her 3rd x g-granddad was my 5th x g-granddads nephew!!!! I just had another bit of luck, on Curiousfox, someone has put in two of my names and said they come from Canning Town. I emailed them on Friday, but they haven't replied yet. I'm so impatient. Sandra

Hi Sandra - not too sure about that one! Think you would be 6th cousins twice removed, but not sure!!! Just heard from my new 3rd cousins - we may actually get to meet them next week at the East of London Cemetary! Hope you hear from your contact soon. Maz. XX

Sandra, I think its 7th cousins twice removed - the common ancestor will be your 5g-grandad's dad, who will be their 3g-grandads grandad. If you get my drift... Liz

Maz, Just had a quick count up. I have 42 blood relatives/ancestors in the East London including my Nan & Granddad. If you go in the week the office is open, the girls there are very helpful, if a bit bemused by it all. Another good thing is that the East London has toilets! Liz, I have got a bit of paper out and drawing a rough tree, I think you are right. Thanks Sandra

Hi As a much "older"person who has just learned how to use a computer, and took on "looking for dead people" as my nieces tell me,the reason is. Every 10 yrs. in my family one in each group has a very rare blood disorder. After visits to specialists up down and sideways we were finally told it was "genetic". As I started looking for an answer and after 3 trips to England I have found it is indeed genetic. Although a "cure"as such is not to be found, the Drs. now are able to manage the problem and everyone concerned is relieved. So Genealogy is a great hobby but can also help with lifes mysteries as well. Edith