BBC Who Do You Think You Are Magazine

I thought this programme was brilliant. To me, it demonstrated what tracing our trees is all about. Off to America, back to England - finding those early roots and those stories.

One thing that struck me though, Jodie seemed to think that Rowland Hodge had been a loyal patriot during the first world war. Was I the only viewer who thought he was just taking advantage of the situation to make money? I think his character wasn't as generous as she hoped and this was proven when he was convicted of hoarding food.

I agree. He made a mint during the war - if he'd been a true patriot he would have made sure he earned enough to keep his wife and family and that's it! I think early on Jodie formed the impression he did it for his country and was reluctant to let go of that idea.

Well done to the researchers for getting so far back, it was amazing. The letter about the king not liking her Grandfather-(was that Rowland Hodge?), and in such detail was interesting and must have been daunting for an ancestor to read. I think the King got the measure of him.

There must be some documents in an archive which would reveal why he was still honoured. They would be fascinating to see!

I couldn't believe it when she visited Fernhill Cemetery. That is where my 3xgreat grandfather, William Howard, is buried. I was hoping the crew would forget about her ancestors and sort of find mine, but no such luck.
I agree with what others have said about Rowland Hodge. Every time she said about his patriotic war work, I wanted to shout at her - he was lining his own pockets, you silly girl! Perhaps she knew this but didn't want to admit it.

Cheers,
Sue

Another great programme - in fact one of my favourites. We probably thought it would be all about the little rich girl but not so, there was so much variety. The bit I found most interesting was learning about the early settlers and linking it to a family.[:)]

[quote]ORIGINAL: Baggybooks

There must be some documents in an archive which would reveal why he was still honoured. They would be fascinating to see!
[/quote]

It was the usual reason he bought his honour, the Liberal party lost the next election due to such scandals.
Cheers
Guy

I agree, one of my favourites too and I really didn't expect that. They have all been really interesting but this programme was also a bit of gentle entertainment, nothing to make you get the tissue box out!

This was an excellent programme. I was disappointed that the link through the Drury's was not followed since we are linked by my Great x3 grandfather to the 3 brothers two of whom met such a terrible death.

Wow, I always love it when people find themselves connected to the celebrities in the series. Makes you realise that we are all probably related to celebrities if we looked hard enough (do write in if you find a 'hero' in any of your research for our 'family hero' page). I'm not sure they would want us all knocking at their door though.

We love people writing in who discover they are related to one of the stars of the show. If you don't want to put it on the forum, please feel free to email me on: [email=sarahwilliams@bbcmagazinesbristol.com]sarahwilliams@bbcmagazinesbristol.com[/email]

And don't forget that the issue of Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine on sale at the moment features Jodie Kidd's story.

All the best,

Sarah

p.s. thanks to everyone who said hello to me at the National Family History Fair at Gateshead. Great to meet you all - hope you liked the Newcastle link in the Jodie Kidd episode.