My birthday present from the lovely Mr S was a DNA test and the results came back today. Most of it was unsurprising – 44% England and Northern Europe with Manchester, Lancashire featuring heavily. My maternal Grandfather was of Welsh heritage so 33% Welsh wasn’t a surprise either. Neither was the 8% Irish as my paternal Grandmother had Irish in her. The biggest surprises, though tiny amounts, were the 3% Norway and the 2% Sweden. Perhaps that’s all down to historic invasions!
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/dna/origins/share/ca02ee57-0a92-47bc-9dad-018617b9e10d
Coincidentally, as I was looking for something else in my family history folder, I came across the following message from my SIL who had taken notes from one of my Father’s story telling sessions, this one about his Father-in-law, our Welsh Grandfather.
“William Richards was, in addition to being the Vicar of Cockerham, the Abbot of Cockersand, which entitled him to the right to the fish from the baulk on occasion (full moon or new moon or some such.) Mum used to be sent fish at college in Ripon. Dad went with him one evening to get the fish. Whitebait, but also salmon.”
So much to unravel here! I know my cousins in Australia read this blog and wonder if they can add to/expand this story.
I have only a few photos of my Grandfather, the Vicar. Here he is with one of his Grandchildren. I think this is my older brother but it could be me or my cousin. The second photo shows what a handsome couple my Granny and Grandpa were. 
I was of the understanding that Granny had Spanish in her genes but, sadly, Spanish hasn’t shown up for me.
I bought three bunches of Cornish Daffodils yesterday and am going to take a photo each day as they open. 
Ark
February 13, 2021 at 6:48 am
Always fun to know our history. So, no Viking marauders or such like for you, eh?
My family roots are all centred in and around Cornwall as far as records have been traced.
Might be nice to do the DNA thing one day. Who knows what may be lurking in the background?
Your grandparents were indeed a handsome couple. Love old photos like these.
Ark
February 13, 2021 at 6:51 am
Correction: There might well be Viking blood in there somewhere for you!
mybeautfulthings
February 17, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Hoping so! 🙂
Ark
February 17, 2021 at 3:36 pm
If so you may have to dust off your horned helmet and grow long pigtails!
mybeautfulthings
February 17, 2021 at 4:36 pm
I always wanted pigtails! Pippi Longstocking was my hero! 🙂
Ark
February 17, 2021 at 5:54 pm
Well, I’ll be holding thumbs for the Viking Blood in that case.
nrhatch
February 13, 2021 at 3:14 am
Love your historic photos. Classy granny!
mybeautfulthings
February 17, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Isn’t she? She never went grey and neither did my Mum who attributed the fact to the Spanish heritage but it didn’t show up in the DNA report so I guess they were just lucky. 🙂
utesmile
February 12, 2021 at 8:53 pm
That is very interesting, what a great gift!
mybeautfulthings
February 12, 2021 at 10:36 pm
Yes, I was delighted and have been investigating all the results today – the matches with 400+ possible 3rd and 4th cousins! 🙂
ladysighs
February 12, 2021 at 8:41 pm
What a wonderful gift! And no surprises — which was no surprise.
More fun than a new set of cooking pans. 🙂 Although you would put those to good use too.
Happy Birthday!