In this meticulously researched book, Alan Charlton uncovers the secrets of his ancestry, discovering warriors at Waterloo and the World Wars, eminent sportspeople – footballers, cyclists and fencers – and even a link with Henry VIII. Above all, Alan reveals the stories of ordinary folk – their triumphs and tragedies – with plenty of humour too. Starting in Basford Nottingham in circa 1780, to Birmingham, and to the former mining town of Houtzdale in Pennsylvania. From each of these locations, the family has continued to spread, mostly in the UK and the USA. On this ancestral journey, we meet the wonderful people in Alan’s family tree, including living relatives who have made contributions to this book.