How far back have you got ?

[LizzieW]

I've got back to 1100s with one branch of the family (my 25 x g.grandparents) because my 9 x g.grandfather married into the gentry, so easy to find records for them, I have wills, copies of Chancery Court documents etc, etc. which made the search relatively easy.

However, I'd much rather find where my g.grandfather came from who was born about 1857/60 in Bethnal Green, he's a much closer ancestor than a 25 x g.grandfather.  

[Chusty]

When people ask me this question I always like to reply - 1058
I have been very lucky with my name, as there were several hundred years of ownership of country estates in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. So far so good, the tree I have assembled  back to the 15th century, from many resources is, I believe, as accurate as I can make it.
But others have gone much further back, though unfortunately there are gaps, obvious inaccuracies and just plain made up bits.

But is is fun to watch people's faces when I say 1058.

[CelticAnnie]

Suspect I may be taking the trophy here  -- one of my (distant) relatives (William Hughes, Inner Temple Barrrister, born 1801) claimed descent from Rhodri Mawr, King of Wales, died 847 AD!!  This was through the illegitimate line of course -- so much more titillating to Victorian sensibilities!  He attaches himself to something called the Huges of Gwerclas pedigree, and I am presently unclear when this was "concocted" and how reliable it is -- have barely begun to research it.  Suspect this attachment was just a way of making himself appear more "top drawer" than he actually was when working in a profession where social standing was extremely important.

Ultimately, I agree strongly with previous posters -- it's not about 'how far back'; it's the stories and the flesh on the bones that really make ancestor-hunting interesting!

CELTIC ANNIE

[SumRum]

My earliest record is from 778, from Louis I "The Pious Emperor" of the Carolingian empire(30+ something-greats).
It's much easier to find records on that side of the family, where they were of royal blood. 
On the other side, however, I can't even find my great grandparents.

[newburychap]

1538 - one of my ancestors was considerate enough to be born in the year that PRs started.

[Annie65115]

Anthony (Antonie) Frauncis, bapt in Grantham 1581 and m Elyn Marshaw in 1609. Anthony's father was Robert - i haven't found his baptism.

But as others have said, it's more satisfying to be able to find out lives rather than just the names of ancestors. I don't even know what Antonie did to keep his family. It's not until the late 1700s that I can start to put flesh on the bones of this line., with trade directories etc.

[Tearose]

Wow amazing - I know what you all say about not just finding dates out but finding "the meat on the bone", I suppose I was also wondering if you really could get that far back.
I have found no juicy bits really as yet, only that my g grandfather fell down the cellar steps in his local (he liked his liquor), and obviously bumped his head, and it was not until 3 days later that he was found dead. His wife (g grandmother) was so distraught, and after so long actually put her head in her gas oven and committed suicide, as she could not live without him.
The only bit I have is on the same line, with his mother being robbed of a pair of sewing scissors but a 16 year old girl and as punishment was shipped off over to Australia.

Happy researching x

[Nick29]

The furthest I've got back is on my Wood ancestors - 1515, in Therfield, Herts.

Unfortunately on my surname line, I'm struggling to get back beyond 1805 

[fenifur]

I've been very lucky and very UNlucky.
Two lines I have for definite back to the late 1500's. They just happened to come from places that have very well preserved and recorded records.
another line, I've got stuck on my G  g grandfather, b.1850.
My Dad's surname, Porrett, was very easy to trace back to the 1850's, but there are almost exlusively williams and george's in the families previous to then so untangling them is proving quite difficult, and all the wives seem to appear out of thin air!
definitely is interesting, I've found myself doing it for my boyfriend (his is v interesting as they're Barons and Admirals and things), friends, and even two random customers my dad had in his garage!
Should probably start charging.. :p