Tracing Your Roots is the series that helps put branches on your family tree.
Sally Magnusson and genealogist Nick Barratt uncover aspects of the UK’s social history through personal stories as they follow the genealogy trail back in time, and give you the tools to explore your own family history.
Programme details
11 August 2007
Searching for missing ancestors
This week we go in search of missing branches from the family tree, the ancestors you believe are out there somewhere but have mysteriously dropped off traditional records.
Dedicated detective work and a touch of good fortune may be needed to track these individuals down. Listen again to find out more.
Stories in this week's programme...
From riches to rags
Colin Stewart wanted to find out more about his philanthropic maternal grandfather. But shocking news emerged as Colin searched for family records under his mother's maiden name. Just one generation further back, Colin's great-uncle had died in Govan Poorhouse in Glasgow and his great-grandmother was forced to apply for family poor relief when her husband was imprisoned for theft.
Poor Relief Records
Workhouse life may have been grim for inmates but for their descendents there's one consolation; administrators kept exceptionally detailed records on all poor relief applicants. Reporter Alan Jones visits the Mitchell Library in Glasgow which houses one of the largest collections of poor records in the UK.
A social reformer in the family
Harsh conditions in workhouses eventually became the focus of reforming campaigners. Family historian Richard North discovered that one of his ancestors, Marxist politician Jimmy Gribble, was a crusading guardian of Northampton Workhouse. Gribble fought for better treatment of the poor which led him into conflict with the other workhouse guardians. Fortunately for us, Gribble was a prolific writer who chronicled his experiences of workhouse politics in minute detail which makes for interesting reading today.
Tracing Your Roots is the series that helps put branches on your family tree.
