Stories from our own family history research - the people in our family tree, discoveries, records, places and unexpected connections uncovered along the way.
Some posts tell the stories of individual ancestors or family groups. Others explore records, places, family mysteries, photographs, occupations and the wider history that shaped our ancestors’ lives.
You can also use the search box to look for surnames, places or topics. Category lists throughout the site are clickable too, helping you explore related stories and themes.
In late December 1915 two farm labourers in their early twenties from Bronington walked seven miles to Broughall near Whitchurch to enlist in the Welsh Horse Regiment. One was my Great Uncle Arthur who was born in Bronington in 1889. He was the 10th child of a family of 12 born to George and Mary […]
To follow on from Dicken posted 20th March 2022 eyeonthepast.com/dicken/ I eventually found a photograph of my Great Grandfather Dicken. Not a professional one like his brothers, but one standing at the front door of what could be The Wheatsheaf Inn, Higher Wych, with his wife Mary. I was expecting Dicken to have a long […]
When Sarah Chaloner of Holt, Denbighshire, was widowed in 1802 with six children to raise, she carried on with quiet strength. In 1810, her dedication earned her an unexpected honour: three guineas from the Wrexham Agricultural Society for raising the greatest number of children to industry. Her story is one of resilience, recognition—and a reward that rivalled even the best turnips.
Do you recognise that feeling when you just have to know all there is to know about somebody on your family tree? The person is my Great Grandfather Dicken Hinton. He was born in the village of Ightfield in Shropshire, United Kingdom, in 1842 to John and Martha (nee Darlington). He was baptised in St […]
Discovering Moretons and Walmsleys led us to two charming Shropshire churches—and a delicious lunch at a family-named pub. Even snow couldn’t stop us.
It all started with a giant family tree and a curious note about an ancestor who fled to Bolivia. We didn’t know it then—but we were hooked for life.
