So off we go... #2
When I began my research, as I said it was built upon the work my Dad (Peter) had done without the benefit of the Internet.
By the time I got involved, my paternal grandfather Bertie had died, but luckily they had a few conversations over the years about our Sayers family history. However Bertie had been reticent about opening up completely about his early life, plus as it was all oral, some myths obviously crept in, - more of that to come.
Dad had done remarkably well considering it involved trips to Somerset House, and manual searches, although he did have some assistance from a neighbour with many years experience, who even did some research on his behalf.
My real start date was after I left the Royal Air Force circa 2002, and I then set about confirming sources, and attacking the brick walls that had been stumping Dad.
My first real surprise at looking at the material was the Essex link. This branch of Sayers spent several generations pretty much in one place, Chelmsford with at least six generations living there … So far!
Not only is Chelmsford our Sayers ancestral home (for now), but also the location of the Essex County Records Office
http://www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/
Well worth a visit, I’ve managed it once, a bit harder these days as I’m living outside the UK currently.
I’ve learnt quite a bit about Chelmsford over the years, and my ears now prick up whenever I hear Chelmsford in news reports and tv programs etc.
Much much more to come in this blog, hardship, crime, war, success, family, so stay tuned.
By the time I got involved, my paternal grandfather Bertie had died, but luckily they had a few conversations over the years about our Sayers family history. However Bertie had been reticent about opening up completely about his early life, plus as it was all oral, some myths obviously crept in, - more of that to come.
Dad had done remarkably well considering it involved trips to Somerset House, and manual searches, although he did have some assistance from a neighbour with many years experience, who even did some research on his behalf.
My real start date was after I left the Royal Air Force circa 2002, and I then set about confirming sources, and attacking the brick walls that had been stumping Dad.
My first real surprise at looking at the material was the Essex link. This branch of Sayers spent several generations pretty much in one place, Chelmsford with at least six generations living there … So far!
Not only is Chelmsford our Sayers ancestral home (for now), but also the location of the Essex County Records Office
http://www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/
Well worth a visit, I’ve managed it once, a bit harder these days as I’m living outside the UK currently.
I’ve learnt quite a bit about Chelmsford over the years, and my ears now prick up whenever I hear Chelmsford in news reports and tv programs etc.
Much much more to come in this blog, hardship, crime, war, success, family, so stay tuned.
