I have recently been running a well attended course on genealogy at the University of the 3rd Age in Cambridge (U3AC) which has prompted me to research many aspects of the subject. It soon becomes evident that we are nearly … Continue reading →
Isambard Kingdom Brunel is heralded as the outstanding civil engineer of his generation, remembered for his great feats of pioneering iron ships, railways, tunnels and bridges. He had a vision to connect London to New York via rail and sea, … Continue reading →
November always seems a good time for a family war story, and the new BBC drama “SAS Rogue Heroes” provides an interesting theme. Depicting “the adrenaline-fuelled origins of the fearless, reckless Special Forces unit, its legend forged among the mayhem … Continue reading →
I was honoured recently to receive a copy of Primrose Bright’s magnificent new book “Tales of Opportunity – The Bright Family of Hereford & Bristol 1066 – 2020”, a beautifully produced bible of her husband Charles’ ancestors, replete with family … Continue reading →
Following the pageantry on our Queen’s Jubilee last month it seemed appropriate to share some images of the baronial robes of Baron and Baroness Wraxall, and the crowns that accompanied them. After the death in 2017 of Eustace Gibbs, 3rd … Continue reading →
In the London Metropolitan Archives there is the very substantial Archive of Antony Gibbs and Sons, which was originally in the Guildhall Archive, where it had been placed by Lord Aldenham. David Hogg remarked that he was astonished to find … Continue reading →
I frequently receive enquiries about links to Gibbs families in America. Not really surprising when one looks at figures on global distribution of the Gibbs surname, as shown on this distribution map for 2014 data for number of Gibbses recorded … Continue reading →
With spring in the air it seems a good time to visit gardens! Marie-Luise Gothein’s great classic book on “History of Garden Art” was first published in German in 1913 and then re-published in English in 1928, with the addition … Continue reading →
We are fortunate to have a few memories and reminiscences that have been passed down through our families and provide a fascinating historical record of the lives and times that our ancestors experienced, though there must also have been many … Continue reading →
To many “the beautiful Mexican” might conjure up actress Salma Hayek, or may be associated with something like this classic Mariachi song extolling the marvels of the country and its women. However she played a legendary role in the history … Continue reading →
