New series next week on the Beeb of Who Do You Think You Are?

[dowdstree]

I wasn't sure who he was at first but nevertheless enjoyed this episode too. Joe seems a laid back character.

What an awful life those wee boys had sweeping chimneys from a very young age. I felt so sorry for them.

All in all enjoyable viewing.

Dorrie

[Michael J]

Quote from Martin Briscoe:
 'Was I mistaken but didn't the marriage certificate early in the programme show someone born in India?'

I too saw the word 'India' on a certificate, but it was so fleeting I didn't see the column heading. We have recorded the programme so could try & pause it to get more details.

Michael.

Added - it was probably under the Address column.

[Rishile]

I have just looked at this and it says London but does look like India.  The address was Tottenham Court Road, London.

I enjoyed this episode.  It could have been any one of our ancestors and that made it interesting for me.  I have a few mariners in my tree and at least one was in China around that time.

Rishile

[Michael J]

Many thanks Rishile, I haven't had chance to look at my recording yet so you've saved me that job.

Michael.

[Caw1]

He’s not a person I readily take to on TV, but I did find it interesting… what a dreadful life his gt gt grandfather had. The thought of being shoved up a chimney at 10 yrs old is horrific…
The marines info was interesting but equally disturbing… he seemed fortunate to have survived… to end up as a pub landlord was interesting and I did feel sorry that his grave was just a patch of bare ground when his parents had a headstone.
Despite the few comments by Joe at the beginning he seemed genuinely interested in his ancestors plight.
I too wondered what had happened to Colour Sgt Elton…
I’m sure there were more tales to tell but as someone said it’s only a 60 min programme.

Caroline

[loobylooayr]

 Chimney sweeps, Marines/Royal Navy, South China Sea, stabbing, mental health and pubs.
Lots covered and I found it all fascinating. Like others, I wonder what happened to Elton?

I noticed Robert's father was a waterman  - which if I'm right ( I'm Scottish so it's not a term used here,to my knowledge) is someone who worked on barges ??

Joe - I didn't know who he was before the programme - was a bit Marmite for me.
I agree with CAW1 - re. his slightly flippant comments at the beginning of his journey - but felt he became genuinely interested and involved as the history unravelled.

But so far this series has been a cracker - roll on next week.

Looby

[Mowsehowse]

WATERMEN: You can learn something of them in Kate Grenville's "Secret River".
Starting in London in 1806, but involving transportation to Australia, this is a cracking good read.

[jaywit]

there is a William Ponsonby Elton born 1833 / 1835 Frome / Lullingtonn Somerset who was a Colour Sergeant Royal Marines Woolwich in 1861.

He ends up in Bristol, could be him but wants more research.

[loobylooayr]

WATERMEN: You can learn something of them in Kate Grenville's "Secret River".
Starting in London in 1806, but involving transportation to Australia, this is a cracking good read.

Oh. Thank you for the recommendation, mowsehowse....that sounds like a book I would enjoy !
Looby