Genealogy Chat

I've watched that episode twice (recorded it onto DVD), but there's a few things I don't understand because I'm fairly new to Genealogy... 1) How did they know the Grandfather (James St. Legger?)travelled between Ireland and Cornwall on a trade route? 2) Did Cyrill have his name changed FROM Herrington TO Pilling(s)? If so, wouldn't he have died under Pilling(s), and why were they searching the Census for a Pilling(s) as possibly being his Father? 3) They never explained what an "Illigitimate child" means, but I assume it just means being a bastard, ie. born from parents who were not married at the time? In Cyrill's case, he was given the surname Herrington, to match the new boyfriend/husband (William George?) who had taken him on as a child? You see, I was confused if this factor had anything to do with being "Illigitimate", as well as whose surname you are given etc... In those days, they seemed to make such a big deal about it, so I thought it must be more complex... Also, what is the difference between having the Father's name blank on a birth certificate and having no certificate? Does this mean Cyril was not registered at all? Confusing... My book doesn't tell me anything about that... Maybe I misunderstood a few things, so I might have to watch it yet again... Hey Trevor, would you be generous enough to let me view your tree?

Have just read everyone's remarks about this prog. and I desperately want to watch it. Slight problem in being in the U.S. Hopefully BBC America will pick it up. When does it air and when does the series end. I will be in England from 10 November for 10 days. Will I still be able to see it? At least once. Christine in New York.

Hi Trevor I watched the episode the other night and thought it was brilliant. The end made me cry, esp when the scouse daughter (sorry forgot her name) of Cyril met everyone at the reunion. She was so overwhelmed and all because of yours and Amanda's hard work. I felt so sorry for Cyril being abandoned in Falmouth,and the fact that Amanda's mum and brothers missed out because of the action of 1 man. (The step dad) Made me wonder how many other children were treated in this way. The only niggle I would have is with the program makers, they make it look very easy to go to this place and that place to find info, but as we ardent geneaologists will know, it's not that simple.I have discovered a huge skeleton in my family tree and by not talking about it has caused huge problems from generation to generation. Anyway congrats on the prog it was great and very moving. Kind regards Catherine

I thought the programme was brilliant. Very moving and honest. Especially when Amanda's mother said that she didn't want to answer the questions, but did so anyway. I know Amanda didn't do her own research, and it isn't as easy as they made it look, but that isn't the point. The programme, to my mind, is about explaining how important this kind of search can be to someone. And Amanda came across as just an ordinary person, overwhelmed at the discovery of family information she was previously unaware of. and shedding unexpected tears after contact with a lost relative. I shed unexpected tears when I recently received the medical history of a great aunt who was in an asylum in Australia for most of her life. I never knew the woman, but her life was so sad. I understand the emotion. Brilliant --more please!! Wendy

I think the series is brilliant, I have been meaning to look into my family tree for ages and this was just the inspiration I needed. Not only am I learning about people who I have never met, I'm also talking to other family members more than I ever have!

Trevor has updated his thread on the General Board with a bit more info. Maz. XX

Trevor, it was a great programme and at times I found it very moving. Your family, by taking part, have done their bit to promote family history. Many people give me a strange look when I mention my interest in genealogy. Hopefully more people will understand now that there is a bit more to it than collecting bits of paper. I expect to see an increase in family history research becasue of the T.V. series. It can only benefit us all. We all have our stories to tell. Thanks to your family for telling us theirs. Kathy

Trevor, It was only when I saw your message,that I remembered the programme,caught the last 15 mins.I wonder if there will be a repeat as I would love to see it,can you jog memory?---Lucy. Best wishes to Amanda.

Had to record it - so am off to watch it.

Trevor, it was very good. I thought I was the only one to get upset when I found out things about long dead relatives I've never met. So, the big question is, have you found Cyril's birth certificate and did I hear correctly that he changed his name by deed poll in 1968? How odd and why change it to the same as the stepfather who rejected you. Or have I got it a$*e about face :-)

Trevor This was brilliant and very intresting. It make me like others, I am sure to continue their resarch into their family history.

The Family likeness!! I enjoyed this evening program- cann`t wait for next weeks.

Trevor Whats it like to be a 'star'. You did very well. They may offer you your own prog. Can't wait for Jeremy Clarksons. He said it was boring!!!

You look very nice and smart on the programme tonight!!! I am sure others will echo this message. Jayne

Im sorry, but I wasnt impressed by the Bill Oddie prog. more a life story of Bill than family history search. And, not quite accurate, as Bill gave the impression he was never in touch with his mum once she went to the asylum. In fact some time ago he wrote that she had written to him in the 70's asking him to go and see her and he declined on his father's advice (??) but made arrangements to pay her a monthly allowance.

Im off to watch it with a glass of wine and plate of cheese. Tracey ps I thought Bill Oddie was a sweety!

Gary, I too was a bit disappointed with the first 15 minutes but then it improved and I really enjoyed it and will be watching the rest of the series. It was also quite moving to see Bill Oddie find his sisters death certificate as this happened to us just a few months ago when we found my husband had a brother who was born just a year before him who only lived 12 hours and actually had the same first name as my husband. His parents had never talked of this son. To hold the birth and death certificates and realise his father had had to register the birth and death at the same time was very moving. All in all I think the series will be worth watching, to see how many of the celebs have similar experiences to the rest of us. Kath.

I will be interested to watch the program about David Baddiel. There's no one on this site with the surname, no one on LDS site with that surname and a google search on the name discounting the words 'Skinner' 'David' and 'Newman' only brough up some stuff about an Ivor Baddiel who's an author (and maybe a relative of David's?)

I'd LOVE to watch this ...but fat chance in NZ! :-( Sue (in NZ)

As far as im concerned the more people watching programmes like these the greater the chance of us all finding our ancestors/relatives! I found the prog. very moving and will continue to watch. (Follow up info is available on website for those needing to know the nuts and bolts). Lets hope this starts up an interest in the subject and easier/ cheaper access to the certificates etc. that we all need!