Hi - My name is Shani and for the last few months I have been leading a 
Writing Group called the Cedar Writers located in Knowle, Bristol.  Part of 
our remit was to write about our family trees, so I thought it would be useful 
to actually research mine!
To quote Nigella Lawson I have always operated a "scorched earth policy" when 
it comes to living - my mother had large parts of her family she wouldn't talk 
about, and those she did recognise don't seem to have existed according to the 
history books - the same applied to my father. So when my own family came 
along, I related to them things I had been told as fact, and if they disputed 
it, well prove it - was my usual reply.
So in my usual fashion, I decided to take the "bull by the horns" and embarked 
on an incredible journey.  I have found costermongers, miners, servants,"bawdy 
house" owners to name but a few.  Their stories documented by the census and 
in many cases the timelines do coincide with some the events I was told they 
were engaged in.... No wonder I am a fiction writer - you couldn't make this 
stuff up.  
If you find this site by accident, and you have any knowledge to add, please 
do feel free to contact me.   
Best wishes Shani