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