I am getting somewhere at last. On a recent visit to Hereford record office I found my great grandparents marriage details. I still don't know why my father was born in Builth Wells when his family lived just over the border in Herefordshire.

I found my grandads grave (in Mansell Gamage St Giles Churchyard) and there was another Morris headstone nearby, but I don't know if it is connected to my family.

Regards

Ed

I have found my Welsh roots. Great grandad was born in Presteigne Radnorshire. Does anyone else have a connection to WILLIAM MORRIS born there in 1851? He married a Mary Ann Beaumont in 1873 in Presteigne.

I've just discovered that Presteigne is a district crossing the border into part of Herefordshire. So it looks as if I haven't got back to my Welsh roots after all. More work to do!!

Hi Ed, thanks for the updates to your research. It's always been borderline as to the point about is the town of Hereford English or Welsh so I'm not surprised that you are slightly confused about your ancestors. I'll have a look for your William Morris and family when I have a bit of spare time. I have some much needed holidays coming up next month so hope to do some research then. Mervyn

In the 1881 census I found 4 William Morris born +/- 2 yearsof 1851, 2 blacksmiths, 1 farmer, 1 farm bailiff, but none of them are married to a Mary Ann. Maybe its the bailiff as he is lodging on a farm with no family.

Thanks Mervyn

Great grandad was the farm bailiff on 1881 census. Married Mary Ann Beaumont in 1873. 3 sons Edward, Thomas and my grandad William.

Mary Ann died between 1891 and 1901 census. i think great grandad died in 1926. Can't find Thomas after 1891 when he was working on a farm in Staunton on Wye. Am making slow progress on many fronts though.

Regards

Ed

Does anyone have any information about Brynwern Hall situated a few miles south of Builth Wells. 

My grandmother was living there in 1914 when my father was born and I think my grandfather was probably employed as a gardener. I have found it on google maps, so it still exists today.

I have posted a photo in the albums.

I should have said NORTH of Builth Wells.

I think I have found my Great-Great Grandad, John Morris born in Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire (Powys) 1808. Still need more info to confirm this though.

Great Grandad, William Morris seems to have been born in Broadheath just east of Presteigne in 1850.

Regards

Ed

Slow but steady progress Ed. If you know for certain where an ancestor was born and have the dates, parents, etc. then it's worth ordering the birth, marriage and even death certificates as it will confirm and maybe even lead you to other relatives.

Happy researching, Mervyn

Being quite sure of my facts, I obtained birth cert for Great grandad. This has given me great great gran as Ann Morris formerly Corbett. Am now sure of 1851 census, but can't find them in 1841. Nor can I find an Ann Corbett. Have also been looking at BMD and freeReg with little success. Two possible baptisms of John Morris very close to where G G grandad puts his birthplace (Llanfihangel Rhydithon, Radnorshire).

Regards

Ed

P.S. Have found my grandad on war memorial in Newbridge-on-wye.