DISCOVERIES!!

Life is all about discovery really but when significant discoveries are made, the kind that make you laugh out loud, cry uncontrollably, do a happy dance or leave you speechless, those are worth telling others about.

My first discovery is still making me chuckle. About a month ago I purchased an air purifier for my apartment because I do not have an operable window and I just felt like the air in my little space needed help circulating and purifying. I got it out of the box and plugged it in but honestly have not noticed any dramatic difference. The directions, which I did read, recommended washing the filters once a month. The other day I opened the machine up to take care of the filters and discovered that the filters were still neatly encased in the plastic bag they arrived in....Go ahead and have a cheeky laugh on my account, I did! Needless to say the filters were spotless so I removed the plastic and restarted the machine. What an amazing difference!!! 

Before I launch into the second discovery I want to preempt it with a goal I had set as I planned my move to England. I knew that my family tree had deep roots in England and since I would be studying historic buildings, I really wanted to find a building where one of my ancestors had lived. Up to this point I had not delved into that search much, I have been busy with other things. Discovery number two from this week would fill that goal.

The second discovery emerged as I traveled down a rabbit hole, not literally down a rabbit hole but let me explain. My aunt Janet sent me a bit from a family history that mentioned me meeting a Melba Wickes on my mission and that when we met there had been a discussion that we were possibly related. I didn't recognize the name so I jumped on Family Search to check things out. Sure enough we are related, distantly, and her picture was there but it has been enough years that I still did not recognize her, sorry Melba. 

While I was on Family Search I decided to look for some information. I will be heading to Scotland a few times in the next few months so I wanted to see if I could find some Scottish family names. I think I need a family tartan! Anyway, as I was looking, here comes the rabbit hole, I started with my mom's grandfather and just clicked my way back in time. For those of you who have never interacted with Family Search I highly recommend it. Family Search is a wonderful way to find and connect family. 

As I went back in time I saw that was only a few generations before most of my family was here in England. I kept looking in the hope of finding a Scot in the line and came upon the name Margaret Kingston. This name intrigued me since I am in Kingston, but there didn't appear to be a connection other than she died here in 1557. Then I looked at her father who was Sir William Kingston and here is where the story came to life. William has an incredible history, I found quite a lot on information on the internet and even on Youtube about him. Although, his history seems to begin about the time of his service to the crown and nothing is known of him before that so his family line ends with him.  He was close with King Henry VIII and was also the constable at the tower of London. William and his wife even watched over Anne Boleyn as she awaited her fate. He was deemed a kind man and served England well. In one of the histories I read it mentioned that he owned a home called Painswick Lodge or Manor in Gloucestershire, where he died in 1540. Given the approximate age of what the home would be today, and the fact it was built around 1260, I was skeptical about it still standing. I searched and found it!!! It is still standing and a family lives there. They rent it out as a destination wedding venue and one room as an Airbnb. I AM THRILLED!!! I cannot wait to go see it! Here are some pictures from the website, but I will have some of my own in future. If you would like to read a bit of the history here is the website. https://www.painswicklodge.co.uk/history​ 
This was one of the best rabbit holes and discoveries to date! I have already been in contact with the owners and they sound delightful. I am hopeful that this "family" home will add significantly to my research.

Does it not look delightful! I am over the moon!

I am off to volunteer at Ham House for the afternoon so Cheers!