Genealogy Chat

Just wondered if anyone watched 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher' on ITV on Easter Monday?

I only realised it was a true-life thing after it had finished & noted down the names of the Suspect and the Detective. The whole prog was really well done, with lots of details of 1860's England, life above & below stairs, good street scenes, etc. Anyway, not expecting much, I looked in 1861 & 1871 census to see if I could find anything.

In London 1871, Westminster, I found the detective Johathan Whicher, b 1815 in Surrey, now aged 36, profession given as 'Asst. Superintendent of Police' and in the 1861 for Westbury, Bradley (which I'd never heard of) I found the suspect Constance Kent, b 1844 in Sidmouth, aged 17. Her young brother aged around 3 or 4, must have been already murdered by the time of the census. Constance's father's occupation was as quoted in the play - Inspector of Factories for the Home Office!

This is 1st time I've ever used the census for this purpose. I quite enjoyed it.

Am now looking out for more programmes that I can check on!!!!!

Cheers everyone,

Vicki

Vicki, I thought it was only me that did that sort of thing!

When the series 'Casualty 1901 ' was on I looked up all the people on there, Matron , Doctors etc.

The book by the way of 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher' is very good

Jennifer

I'm another wierdo who does that kind of thing. I remember years ago trying to find Jack the Ripper's victims on the census. Also when I watch WDYTYA (the American version) I start doing look-ups and often find the answer before they do. Fun!

I also do this too.......... thank goodness it's not just me!! LOL!

I find it so fascinating and have looked up many people from watching programmes on the TV........ my previous TV look up was Al Capone..... very interesting!! Even looked at his WW1 draft papers and saw his signature........ that was quite something.

I've also managed to give descendants books back that belonged to their ancestors....... so often you come across them for a few pounds in charity shops, car boots etc, and I always think that if someone had a book that belonged to one of my ancestors I would love to have it back in the family.

I never dreampt that for 1 minute that starting to look into my own family history would lead to other things like this, what great enjoyment though!!!

Dee x

Hi everyone

Thanks to Jennifer, Margee, Joan and Dee for your INTERESTING replies!!

You have given me ideas for some more "proper" hobbies and interests, I do love car-boot sales, 2nd hand shops, auctions, I shall now look at them with fresh eyes! And they are all allied to what we like to do anyway.

I don't think I'd be clever enough to trace back whole family lines as I get confused after 3 generations - unless I write it down & draw it out myself. Always assume that the people posting on here who help others, are absolute experts, speedy experts at that.

Vicki XX

I watched London Hospital and traced Matron Eva Luckes on the census. She was the matron in 1881

Also Mary Ann Cotton Britains first female serial killer