Queen Elizabeth II turns 90 this week. She has been on the throne for over sixty years, and looks set to remain so for some time to come.
Family history research can often reveal surprisingly long-lived ancestors, although do not always believe what you read! If an agricultural labouring ancestor is recorded as over 100 on burial or death, it might be worth checking out to see whether a few years may have been added to the age. This is by no means unusual, particularly in elderly ancestors, just as when looking at marriage certificates it is not uncommon for bride or groom to round down their age.
In such cases, it is essential to track an ancestor through as many records as possible, such as finding them in each census return to see whether different ages are given. Finding a birth certificate or baptismal entry then provides a clearer idea of when an ancestor was born, and to then asses whether later ancestors may have told a few fibs about their age.
Think that your ancestors lied about their age? Not sure what records to check? Contact us today to find out more.
