These are some images of my family. Behind each picture, there are hundreds of stories. I often get asked, how do I start researching my family tree? My reply is always the same - start with a paper and pen and talk to your older relatives. Ask them about their memories. Let them describe their work, daily routines, superstitions, where they lived, neighbours etc. You will be surprised how willing they will be to chat about their early lives. Society has changed incredibly quickly, and their personal stories are priceless- and if not recorded will be lost forever.
Luckily I did ask some of my family about their past, and my notebooks are full of stories about my maternal grandmother's hard life (middle left). Nanny Cuckoo; as I affectionately called her, was a remarkable woman. She lived through two world wars and raised six children - on her own.
My father (top left) often described his grandmother's strict Victorian ways; occasionally, he spoke about his experiences as a soldier during WWII; but I had to be careful - it triggered his nightmares. His memories later inspired me to write a book about his experiences fighting in the jungles of Burma.
My mother (centre in the bottom row) is a goldmine of information and tells horrific stories of living in London during the Blitz. She also has many anecdotes about her grandfather Walter Coward (bottom right), known locally as The Iron Man of Islington. He must have been a colourful character. During the construction of the Astoria in Finsbury Park, he became buried under a collapsed wall. Hannah, his wife, thought he was dead. But, that evening he appeared on the doorstep covered in dust. She fainted, believing she had seen his ghost!
During research for my clients, I always add information that sheds light on the world their ancestors knew. Historical maps, school reports, trade directories, military records, electoral rolls and so on can all help. But, nothing can replace the colourful anecdotes of voices from the past.
