BBC Radio Somerset presenter Charlie Taylor has recently been on a rather fascinating personal journey in discovering his family’s not-so-ordinary history. Taylor, who was born in the 1990s, recently started an amazing adventure to research his family roots. Through this, he discovered the deep roots his family has in Somerset. Guided by the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society, Taylor started a thrilling search to find his ancestors’ stories. This committed nonprofit has been helping individuals research their ancestry since 1975, and it helped uncover that Taylor’s roots in the area run deep.
Taylor’s research took a fateful turn when he brought in Lyn Bidgood. Having two decades worth of experience at the old society, Lyn was a treasure trove of insights for the project. Bidgood's expertise guided Taylor to a remarkable discovery: his great-great-great-grandfather, Richard Thorne, was a labourer residing on Union Street in Bridgwater. This intriguing discovery led Taylor to step into the same street where Thorne had walked.
"He would have walked up and down this street so many times," Taylor reflected during his visit.
The Somerset and Dorset Family History Society is particularly adept at genealogical lineages reaching back to the 1500s. They were integral to Taylor’s research. Retiring volunteers such as Ted Udall and Lyn Bidgood have collectively given their organization over 50 years of service. Early life Udall was born in Long Ashton, then in Somerset. For more than 30 years, he has devoted his energies to serving at the society on a volunteer basis.
Taylor's journey is not just a personal endeavor but a testament to Somerset's enduring legacy. His grandmother died in the 1980s but the family’s ties to the area continue unabated. In examining and sharing these family connections, we witness the abiding effects of provenance and legacy among the people of Somerset.
"I've got family littered across Somerset. Somerset is running through my veins," Taylor noted.
Bidgood said she’s proud of what she’s contributed to the process of helping people find out more about their history.
"I like to think we've helped a few people," Bidgood stated.
