Our key goal as Family historians is to piece together as much of the family tree as possible, no doubt on the way making some fascinating discoveries.

The most active research is undertaken by Art in the US and Ralph in the UK, but there are many keen souls besides. Work falls broadly into two areas : exploring existing lines in the family tree to trace every line to its ultimate end, and trying to fit newly-discovered Towndrows from today into the existing framework. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Our investigations are constant - there's so much more to find out, so many more pieces of the puzzle to fit together.  What we have has been painstakingly brought together over many years, but many hands make light work.

In the UK, apart from our 'stronghold' in the Midlands, there are branches of T's who lived in East London, Liverpool and the Malverns. We're now scattered in most of the English-speaking countries, and a few more besides - see the map here >> World Towndrows. Through the Reunions you may meet relatives who are less distant than you may suppose. But what is the difference between a "second cousin" and a "first cousin twice removed"? The answer is here >> Cousins Explained.

DNA Analysis

In July 2004, using DNA testing of the two branches, we proved the existence of a common ancestor - but have not yet found his identity via more conventional searches of parish records etc. Participating in the survey should allow us to more accurately trace the generation in which the two branches (explained on the Roots page) were joined.

Find out more about how the survey works here >> DNA Project Details . Join in the survey here >> DNA Survey Homepage

Our Family Tree is mapped out using a software package called "Family Tree Maker". With this, you can explore all of the detail of our genealogy, dating back to our earliest traced ancestor, and find out where you fit in. The software is available at most major computer outlets, or you can check out their website at www.familytreemaker.com

The Family Tree database is held on a page on a separate website which you can get to from here. You can view the Family Tree online, or drop us a line and we can send you a copy for perusal at your leisure. If you view online, you don't need the special software - just a little patience! 

• Click the link below. A new browser window will open.

• Select the only available 'GEDCOM Tree'

• A page with a small section of the family tree hierarchy appears.

• You need to click on the diagram, then you can use 'F' on your keyboard to search for a name.

Smaller parts of the grand family tree have also been submitted, and details are available in other formats - click the link and the document will open in a new window.

Tree for Benjamin & Anne		'Story' format for Benjamin & Dorothy's descendants
'Story' format for Benjamin & Anne's descendants		Hierarchical list of Benjamin & Dorothy's descendants
Hierarchical list of Benjamin & Anne's descendants		Family Tree for the 'Burn' family, ancestors of Lorraine T
Handwritten tree for Hannah & Richard (1755)

As more and more T's become involved with tracing out the myriad branches of the Towndrow line, more names and connections come to light.