Genealogy Chat

Sorry Grumpy Bear but if you were a close friend I would call you an idiot in this case and a close friend would not take offence. That's what close friends do. Steven however may not be a 'close' friend to this person and has to decide which way to play it.

Elisabeth, as a Yorkshire man I was brought up to tell the truth and have respect for others, so we will just have to respect each others opinion's Roy

Hate to break it to you Roy, but I'm a Yorkshire man's daughter. Sorry.

Given that the essence of true genealogy is proving any entry or find is accurate I feel you should tell him the truth. xxhugxx

I guess, that if it were me, I would rather be told now and kindly than be showing it around at a later date and someone crushed me in front of others. So Steve, put the tactful hat on. These firms are so awful arent they. As Old Crone says, how can they let people think just cos you have a name it entitles you to a coat of arms. I bet they do a good trade in Smiths.

have just looked a name on their site, out of curiosity- the place that the name is supposed to have originated cant be found on 1851 census , let alone anyone born there, and yet the whole caboodle are supposed to have originated there, back in the year dot maybe, but even so

If this firm counts the number of hits on their site, they must be getting all excited at the moment. It makes for quite entertaining reading - just so long as you regard it as simply that. I have just spent a happy half hour putting in various of my family names and reading the blurb that comes up about it. You will be fascinated to learn that everyone I am descended from appears to have come over with William the Conqueror. Wow - not an Anglo-Saxon in sight! Hmm - wonder how I managed to have fair haired blue eyed children? However, there is one aspect of the site that might be useful, and that is the bit where they suggest other possible spellings of the name! Tina

Steve, Now I understand better, (thank you Olde Crone), there are two issues here: 1) He has been sold a coat of arms that doesn't even belong to someone of his surname (not his fault, but the company's). 2) Even if it was his surname, the crest (if the image is even genuine) will belong to a specific person from the past, which may not be his relation, just because they have the same surname. So.........could you ''rescue'' him from the situation by using 1) to your (his?) advantage?? He could maybe get his money back on the basis of 1) which would mean you explaining 2) ...........He would not look stupid if you accentuate 1) .......and in explaining 2) he would come to see that he actually doesn't want/need a coat of arms anyway. Hope you remain friends?!!!! Merry