Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts

December 12, 2025

Unusual Census Entry

I always thought this was an interesting find. This 1891 UK census entry is for Sir Ronald Doulton of "Royal Doulton" fame. It would be unusual in 1891 to have the wife listed as "Head" of the household. Also a personal comment has been added to the "M" married item. Ronald was my great grandfathers good friend and the origin of my name. I do have a couple items that were gifted to my great grandfather and brought to Canada in 1912 with the family.



June 12, 2025

Sir Ernest Fisk

Sir Ernest Fisk, born on August 8, 1886, in Sunbury, Middlesex, England, was a renowned figure in the field of wireless communication. He played a significant role in the development and expansion of global telecommunications during the early 20th century.

Fisk's career in wireless communication began when he joined the Marconi Company in 1902. He quickly rose through the ranks, displaying exceptional skills and a deep understanding of the technology. In 1912, Fisk was appointed as the General Manager of Marconi's Australian operations, which brought him to Sydney, New South Wales.

During World War I, Fisk's expertise in wireless communication became crucial. He played a vital role in establishing wireless communication links between Australia and the British military forces in Europe. Fisk's efforts greatly improved communication capabilities, enabling faster and more reliable transmission of messages.

In recognition of his contributions, Fisk was knighted for his services in 1918, becoming Sir Ernest Fisk. He continued to work tirelessly to advance wireless technology and expand its applications. Fisk's vision extended beyond military communication, and he saw the potential of wireless technology for civilian use.

July 10, 2024

Bayons Manor

Bayons Manor located at Tealby, Lincolnshire, England was built in 1836 by the uncle of Alfred Lord
Tennyson, the Poet Laureate. Named after the Bishop of Bayeaux (William I's brother who originally owned the estate). It incorporated the original 17th century house. Bayons Manor includes a moat, over 60 rooms and a reduced size replica of Westminster Hall. It was opened to the public in 1934 and slipped into decline after the second world war when it was sold in 1944 and eventually dynamited in 1964.

Moulton Manor

The Monor House was rebuilt Abt 1570 with some alterations and there's an addition from 1938 for
Leonard Smithson. The Manor was owned by John Cuthbert Vaux my 6th cousin once removed. The home is currently still in the family and is available as a Bed & Breakfast with two retreats available for booking.

There is a tradition that James I spent a night in the house, either on his way south to assume the English throne, or on his way to the races at Gatherley in the same parish.





Family connection
This family connection is from my paternal Gordon side of the family through the Geddes, Mitchel and Ord family lines.

Barbara Willard: Illuminating the Past Through Timeless Tales

In the rich tapestry of English literature, certain authors possess the unique ability to transport readers to bygone eras, offering glimpses into the lives and landscapes of times long past. Barbara Willard, a

prolific writer of historical fiction, was one such author, whose evocative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail captivated readers of all ages. Through her timeless tales, Willard breathed life into the pages of history, illuminating the past with a clarity and resonance that continues to enchant readers to this day.

January 13, 2022

Liana Caruana (a.k.a. Miz Tipzta) - DNA

 Every once in a while I take a look through DNA matches for the five DNA tests I manage.  Sometimes, if there's a photo associated with the DNA match I'll do an internet search to see if I can find any additional information.  Once in a while I get surprised with what I find.

This time I discovered Liana Caruana.  All the information matches a Liana Caruana a member of the English garage band "3 of a Kind".  3 of a Kind are best known for their 2004 hit single "Babycakes".  Liana wrote the lyrics and sings, she can be seen  in the official music video (below).  10 million views on YouTube!  I even noticed that Ed Sheeran included the song in an acoustic cover piece on YouTube called "KISSTORY"  We have yet another musician in the family!
I have confirmed that it's the same person as we have messaged each other.  She said "I was once a pop star in Britain lol my song went to Number one in the uk charts lol".

My connection would be from my paternal side of the family, likely the Scottish side.  Some additional research is needed to figure out our shared DNA.




October 28, 2021

Goodale Family Murder, Suicide

 After many years of researching family history you're bound to find a few tragedies in the family. Some of the stories are disturbing and I won't go into great detail for those. The first story takes place in England in 1899.

In Twickenham, Middlesex, England on a Saturday morning the 11th of March 1899 Herbert (or Henry) Goodale, who carried on the business of a monumental stonemason, let his workmen in as usual at 6 am and according to some of his men there was nothing unusual in his appearance and he did not appear to be suffering from any excitement.

After many years of researching family history you're bound to find a few skeletons in the family closet.  Some of the stories were very disturbing and I won't go into great detail for those.  The first story takes place in England in 1899.

January 31, 2018

Herleve of Falaise (1003-1050)

My 26th great aunt.  Her brother Walter de Falaise was my 26th great grandfather.  Herleve 1st married Robert Duke of Normandy.  They had a son named William Duke of Normandy or better known as William the Conqueror.  William would be my 1st cousin 27 times removed.


April 15, 2016

Sailing the high seas


When I was a kid I remember watching those old Errol Flynn movies on TV with the buccaneers, those massive ships, and all the guns firing on the enemy prior to boarding and capturing the ship.  It was exciting to watch.
Well I can now say that I have cousins who sailed aboard some of those massive ships.  I have managed to find three cousins on my fathers side of the family who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).

December 13, 2012

Turner Fransaer family makes contact

On Thursday of last week I received an email from a woman named Nicole in Belgium. She provided information in relation to the Corke, Fransaer families. My 3rd great grandmother, Philly Turner Field had a sister, Harriet Turner that married a James Corke. Today I received an email from a Mrs. Denise Fransaer Corke the wife of Charles Clarence Corke, my 3rd cousin 2 times removed.

Denise has been researching the Fransaer, Corke family for 30 years so hopefully we can fill in a lot of missing information.

Charles Field, Egypt, Sudan Veteran

20th Hussars

Yesterday I discovered my first pre WWI Field family veteran. Charles Field born in 1857 in Marden, Kent the son of Joseph Field and Ann Love spent 18 years serving with the 20th Hussars. Two and a half of those years were spent in Egypt. I have obtained Charles service record and will be going through it to provide more details. Currently I know that he receive two good conduct badges, the Egypt Medal and the Khedive Bronze Star 1884-86.

I understand It's very difficult to locate family members in these records so I'm very pleased that I was able to find two individuals so far (Frederick Sherrod was the other).
Egypt MedalKhedive Bronze Star 1884-86

UK Field family found

The Forge, Field home, Frant, Sussex 1910
After many years of searching a connection has been made to a branch of the family that has the Field surname. Well they actually found me! This family line is a direct Field line from the village of Frant, Sussex. William Field and Philly had a daughter Florence who married the son of Charles Field, John Field her first cousin. This means that the entire line of descendants of John and Florence are double related to my Field line.
Mike Field is married, has children and a brother. Previously the only male Fields left were the six in Canada, five more from the UK can now be added.
Mike and I are exchanging information and tracking down his aunts families in Wales and Australia.

Crimean and Indian Mutiny War Veteran

I have located the first family member that I can confirm was in the Crimean War and also served during the Indian Mutiny. Frederick Benjamin Sherrod husband of Emily Anne Field was with Her Majesties 82nd foot regiment and was awarded the Crimea War medal 1854-55 with clasp, 'Sebastopol', Turkish and Indian Mutiny Medals. After the Crimea for 7 months he then served in India with the 82nd for 12 years and 5 months. I have obtained his service records and will update as I gather more information. Frederick served with the 82nd for more than 21 years and had obtained 4 good conduct badges.

Crimean Medal w/ claspIndian Mutiny MedalTurkish War Medal (British)

Sir Ernest William Goodale

The son of William Thomas Goodale and Frances Mary Wheatley he was born on the 6th of Dec. 1896 in Mortlake, Surrey, England.  Ernest attended the University of London from 1913 to 1916. On the 3 of Sept. 1924 in Mottingham, Kent, England he married Gwendoline Branscombe Warner the daughter of Sir Frank Warner K.B.E. and Lady Kate Dennis. They had two children, Nigel Frank Goodale and Sylvia Francis Goodale. Sylvia married Sir Jean-Pierre Frank Eugene Warner Q.C. on the 2nd of Sept. 1950 at Lincoln's Inn, London, England. Sir Jean-Pierre was the first Advocate-General of the Court of Justice of the European Communities from the UK.

  • Received knighthood 1 Jan 1952 at St. James Palace. 
  • Received a piece of silver at Buckingham Palace in 1975 from Prince Philip to commemorate his service on the council. 

After Gwendoline passed away on 22 June 1972 Sir Ernest married Pamela June Bone on the 5th of April 1973. They had no children from this marriage.

Career
Sir Ernest was chairman of Warner and Sons from 1949 until 1971.

Military Service
2nd Lieutenant, 9th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, serving in Mesopotamia and with Dunster force, 1916-1919.


Sir Ernest William Goodale is my 3rd cousin twice removed.

October 4, 2008

Philip Percy Field Arrives in Canada

RMS Royal George
It has always been thought that my great grandfather Philip Percy Field arrived in Canada in 1912. Now that the Canadian passenger records have been index and available on-line I now know exactly when the family arrived in Canada.

Philip age 41 left Bristol, Gloucestershire, England alone on a 3rd class ticket (T2543) September 6th 1911 aboard the RMS Royal George. The voyage took eight days and he arrived in Montreal, Quebec at 11 pm on September 14th. Located beside Philips name on the manifest, there's a notation, "S. Army", I believe this is in reference to the fact that the Salvation Army use to assist families with their relocation. From Montreal Philip travelled to Toronto via the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). To be continued....