Genes Reunited Blog

By Peter Christian, author of The Genealogist's Internet

Baroness margaret Thatcher died yesterday at the age of 87. She was the first ever female Prime Minister in Britain and her time in office was marked by controversial policies that divided the nation. 

We're all big fans of Call the Midwife here in the Genes office, and were very sad that last night saw the last episode of the second series. However, our latest family story featured on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/genesreunited, might get you through another week without a new episode. 

Tracing a family’s history; carrying out genealogical research; investigating your family tree: whatever you call it, the moment you decide to set out on the trail, you’re almost certain to find yourself hooked.  Where else will you find a hobby that allows you to become a detective, searching for clues in faded documents written hundreds of years ago? Which other pastime can take you on such an amazing voyage; unravelling mysteries from the past and discovering how your ancestors’ lives were touched by some of the great events from history?

We asked you to tell us your spooky stories for the chance to win Women in Black goodies and theatre tickets. Thank you to everyone who entered, we thoroughly enjoyed reading your tales! We hope you enjoy reading a few of our favourites...

This week's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Followed Annie Lennox's journey into her past where she discovered poverty, illegitimacy and royalty connections in her paternal family line whilst learning the truth about some family myths.

This week's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? follows actress Alex Kingston as she researches her father's family and discovers a photographer war hero and a remarkable woman living in the 19th Century.

This week's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? followed actor Sir Patrick Stewart on an emotional journey where he uncovers previously unknown information on his father and the role he played during WW2.

If you missed the second episode of Who Do You Think You Are, you missed an emotional one. Masterchef judge Gregg Wallace sets out to discover more about who his ancestors were. The story started off in Plymouth where he hopes to find clues to solve a long standing family mystery about the whereabouts of his great grandfather Henry Springett, who allegedly abandoned his family. After talking with his mother, it comes as a nice surprise to Gregg that Henry was a greengrocer by trade just like him.