This map shows where the family names of our various forbears came from (as far as we have traced so far!). Tom's family names are shown in red, Ann's in magenta.

The line traced back the furthest is the Richardson line - to the early C18th. Starting as park keepers to the Earl of Lonsdale at Lowther Castle (now an Adventure and Theme Park) they have memorials in various churches in the county of Westmoreland (now Cumbria). There is a tradition that a C19th family wedding gown and a C20th family court gown are in a museum in Canada - perhaps a living Richardson can tell us something about that. Also in the North of England, but over on the East in County Durham, is the Ellidge family, linked to the Plumtrees from Cambridgeshire (thanks to Australian cousin Jan Fletcher!).

Down in Bedfordshire are the Hunts and their relations. They appear to have been active in the straw hat industry in Luton, one way and another. They include a tutor to minor Russian nobility in the last century and seem to have a tradition of members in the teaching profession.

Down in the South in Hampshire are the Osmonds, Hoopers and Poores. They seem to have done almost everything; doctors, businesses, farming, chemists; you name it, an Osmond has done it. Whether or not they have also contributed to the strong musical side of the family I leave you to decide! Also in the South are the Bishopps, Hills and Wares from Kent; mainly yeoman farmers as far as we can tell.

Back up to Norfolk for the patrial line. With a few exceptions (we find one over in Warwickshire in the 1851 census as butler to a noble Lady) most of them were the ubiquitous Norfolk Ag. Lab. until the middle of the C19.

In Bethnal Green in the East End of London are Ann's silk-weaving ancestors. Much to find out about them still, but they are believed to have Huguenot ancestry among them.

For more details of these family lines, we hope to add further pages in the near future for you to follow. Meanwhile, if you need any further details just email us below

Last updated 30 August 1998