"Who Do You Think You Are" Series 13, Episode #4: Cheryl

[bibliotaphist]

Have to say I enjoyed the topic of this one: mainly because it combined lots of filming around my home town of North Shields/Tynemouth, sea stories/seafaring history which I love (not much of that in my f.h. unfortunately - Tyne keelmen is as close as I can get to actual maritime ancestors) and a bit about the Durham Light Infantry in which several of my own relatives served during WWI.

[rosie17]

Was not so keen on this one and when she asked what a charwoman was  ...
Rosie

[Seoras]

I liked this one. She didn't go in for the over the top theatricals of some, just a calm acceptance and real interest in what she was being told.

She might not know what a charwoman was but she can't be too stupid to be worth what she is.

Also it looks like we aren't related. Wondered about a Tweedy link, but no.

[AndrewJE]

Interesting episode especially as we have family in in the DLI in WW1
Frustrating as they didn't explain where the photo of the Master mariner and the Memorial Card came from. Passed down to another relative? Or just happen to have been given to a museum?

Also I wonder if the relative who wrote the 'Dear Relative' letter(very secretive by the BBC I thought) regarding her  ggrandfather had worked out to whom he/she was writing to by tracing down the tree, before the program was aired..

[halhawk]

I wasn't expecting too much of this as I'm not really keen on Cheryl's usual public persona.  However as often happens, I found it very interesting both for the history side, and for Cheryl's own reactions which seemed much more genuine than some of the screaming celebs we have seen.  I do wish there could have been more on both stories.  What happened to Caroline after the 1861 census?  Did Edith Annie and Joseph stay together after the birth of the twins?

So far this has been a good solid series.

[gaffy]

I did wince slightly when an original document (was it the ticket / permit?) was carefully removed from a plastic wallet - only to be seemingly folded.

But all in all a rather satisfying way to spend an hour and Cheryl seemed attentive and appreciative.   

[StanleysChesterton]

I liked this one as it was a good story you could follow and just enjoy.  I also LOVE mysteries being solved satisfactorily.

Usually War stories get a bit technical/boring as they meet hardened fanatics of the subject, but it was kept at the lowest common denominator in this episode, which made it followable/watchable - as well as being non-specific about battles.... also, never thought about how the trenches appeared, I just assumed the soldiers dug their own.

Coming from a long line of b4st4rds ... I'm always amused by the concept that there was "massive shame" in illegitimacy in days-gone-by as my own tree experiences have shown that they all had them and everybody stuck by each other and kept them.  Most women in my maternal tree had a child, then got married 1-2 years later and still kept their children.

The issue with Cheryl's family was probably more about an age difference maybe, and/or other personal issues they had regarding personality clashes and perceptions of intent.  e.g. did they think the young girl was "too young", or "a gold digger".  We don't know how well off the old fella was.  Being a housekeeper and sh4ggin' the widowed boss was pretty much the norm (else I'd not be here from my paternal side rumours would suggest)......

Enjoyed it anyway as I could follow it. No heavy going bits; no really boring bits.  Also, there were tidbits of new information to add into the knowledge banks.... e.g. I didn't know a Master Mariner was a Captain and they had a ticket, which was a bit of paper, they studied for!

I've no mariners... but if I ever find one I'll know that much now.

[mike175]

Haven't watched this episode yet, but I do think this series has been really interesting, much improved over some of the previous offerings.

Not being a dedicated TV viewer I barely recognise any of the celebs but the first three subjects handled things very well and all seemed genuinely interested. I do hope they continue in the same vein.

[Seoras]

The photo of her 4xG grandfather and his wife was a great find and also a wonderful photograph.