I'm glad to have made such an impact so soon!
My family and ancestors seem to have their roots firmly embedded in Herefordshire. I too was born and grew up in Herefordshire. In my early days I may have felt a slight connection with the place but that has long since gone. I never truly did feel I was home. Strange I know, considering how many ancestral ties I have with the place but there never has been that feeling of contentment. Perhaps I was picking up bad vibes from my ancestors about the county?
For a long time I've wanted to find the place that I could consider to be my home. I've tried the practical and logical route. I've read books and planned visits and trips to different locations I believed I would feel a connection with. So far this route has drawn a blank and I could search forever this way.
Now I have decided to search my family tree and try and find some roots that leave Herefordshire and hopefully end up in a few locations I've never visited. Ancestral belonging is just as valid a reason for visiting a place as reading about it in a book, more so even. I'm not looking for some Utopia, just for a location that makes me feel contented. An added tingle or deja vu to confirm my belief would also be most welcome.
I also wish to research the family tree to prove the connection to a place before I do visit. I remember watching John Hurt on WDYTYA? and how he moved home to his supposed Irish roots so that his children could be born in Ireland. He looked utterly devastated when it turned out that his one ancestor was the biggest liar going and he had built his life on a fallacy. I hope to at least get some proof before I go looking for home.
Even at this early stage of researching I can probably say I have a foot in both camps in that I'm enjoying the actual genealogy/searching process. At my own annoyance I often step back and spot something of interest. Having an inquisitive mind it can tend to wander off the beaten track. Before I know it I'm asking myself questions like "Why on earth did they marry?", or "What does that job title really mean?"
I never set out to catch the genealogy bug but as so many of you have commented it does seem to be an addictive activity.
Best wishes,
Bosuns Call
