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Genealogy Documentary Series - Who Do You Think You Are?

Who Do You Think You Are? - British (BBC), American (TLC & NBC), Australian (SBS), Irish (RTÉ), and Canadian (CBC) - plus other countries - such as Denmark (DR1), Norway (NRK) and Sweden (SVT) - presented in their respective local languages. Genealogy documentary series - each episode traces the ancestry of a different celebrity.

Discoveries have included direct ancestor links with Early New England, Pennsylvania & Virginia Settlers, Early Settlers of Canadian Provinces (pre 1867 Confederation) and European Royalty ... and include a combination of inspiring, courageous, dramatic and tragic stories - with family links to important historical periods and events. To see Theme List click here

In addition to covering interesting themes - the TV episodes, respective Websites (BBC, TLC, NBC, SBS, RTÉ, CBC, DR1, NRK & SVT) and Magazine(s) - also provide useful clues and information on where to look for and obtain genealogy source information - Early New England Vital Records, English Parish Records, Archives, Historical Societies, College of Arms (London) ...
Also check the Sources section of this website.

Note: - Episodes of Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC - 2004 onwards; TLC - 2013-2018; NBC - 2010-2012 & 2019 onwards; SBS - 2008 onwards; RTÉ - 2008/9; CBC - 2007/8; DR1; NRK & SVT) - can be viewed on:

1. TV - BBC, NBC, and SBS - for certain recent episodes.
2. Websites - BBC (viewable in the U.K. only), TLC (viewable in the U.S. only), NBC (viewable in the U.S. only), and SBS (Australia) - for certain recent episodes.
3. YouTube website (split into 10 to 15 minute parts) - for certain episodes.
4. DVD - for episodes of former seasons.

A few Themes from Who Do You Think You Are? episodes:

1. Early New England, Pennsylvania & Virginia Ancestry
2. Early Canadian Ancestry (pre 1867 Confederation)
3. Royal Ancestry

1. Early New England, Pennsylvania & Virginia Ancestry

• Ashley Judd- American television and film actress ("Ruby in Paradise", "Norma Jean & Marilyn" ...)
• Jodie Kidd - English television personality and fashion model
• Richard Madeley - British television presenter and columnist
• Cindy Crawford - American model
• Valerie Bertinelli - American actress (TV sitcom "One Day at a Time" ...)
• Courteney Cox - American actress (TV sitcom "Friends" ...), producer, and director
• Katey Sagal - American actress (TV sitcom "Married... with Children" ...) and singer-songwriter
• Sarah Jessica Parker - American actress (TV series "Sex and the City" ...), producer, and designer

1.1 Early New England ancestors of Ashley Judd

The NBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2011) for Ashley Judd - American television and film actress ("Ruby in Paradise", "Norma Jean & Marilyn" ...) - includes direct ancestor links with Early New England Settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts (17th Century) - William Brewster and his family.

Published genealogy and history sources document the lives of - and descendants of - early settlers who emigrated to New England aboard the Mayflower ship in 1620 - including William Brewster and his family.

William Brewster (died 1644) - emigrated to New England aboard the Mayflower ship in 1620.

1.2 Early New England ancestors of Jodie Kidd

The BBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2008) for Jodie Kidd - English television personality and fashion model - includes direct ancestor links with Early New England Settlers of Rowley, Massachusetts (17th Century) - Thomas and Jane Grant.

Published genealogy and history sources document the lives of early settlers who emigrated to New England in the 17th Century - including Rowley, Massachusetts.

Thomas & Jane Grant and family emigrated from Rowley, Yorkshire, England - to New England (Rowley, Massachusetts) in the 1630’s.

1.3 Early New England ancestors of Richard Madeley

The BBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2011) for Richard Madeley - British television presenter and columnist - includes direct ancestor links with Early New England Settlers of Boston, Massachusetts (17th Century) - William Beamsley and his family - and with Early Settlers of Nova Scotia (18th Century).

Published genealogy and history sources document the lives of early settlers who emigrated to New England in the 17th Century - including William Beamsley and his family.

William Beamsley (died 1658) - emigrated to New England c.1632.

1.4 Early New England ancestors of Cindy Crawford

The TLC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2013) for Cindy Crawford - American model - includes direct ancestor links with Early New England Settlers (17th Century) - Thomas Trowbridge (died 1672/3) & Elizabeth Marshall.

Published genealogy and history sources document the lives of - descendants of - and ancestors of - early settlers who emigrated to New England in the 17th Century - including Thomas Trowbridge and his family.

1.5 Early Pennsylvania ancestors of Valerie Bertinelli

The TLC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2014) for Valerie Bertinelli - American actress (TV sitcom "One Day at a Time" ...) - includes direct ancestor links with Early Pennsylvania Settlers (17th Century) - James Claypoole (1634-1687) & Helena Mercer (died 1688).

Published genealogy and history sources document the lives of - descendants of - and ancestors of - early settlers who emigrated to Pennsylvania in the 17th Century - including James Claypoole and his family.

1.6 Early Virginia ancestors of Courteney Cox

The TLC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2017) for Courteney Bass Cox - American actress (TV sitcom "Friends" ...), producer, and director - includes direct ancestor links with Early Virginia Settlers (17th Century) - Col. Thomas Ligon (Lygon) (died 1675/6) & Mary Harris.

Published genealogy and history sources document the lives of - and ancestors of - early settlers who emigrated to Virginia in the 17th Century - including Col. Thomas Ligon (Lygon) and his family.

1.7 Early Pennsylvania ancestors of Katey Sagal

The TLC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2016) for Catherine Louise "Katey" Sagal - American actress (TV sitcom "Married... with Children" ...) and singer-songwriter - includes direct ancestor links with Early Pennsylvania Settlers (18th Century) - Jacob Hochstetler (born c.1712-died before 1776) & family - with a courageous and tragic story during the French and Indian War (1754-1763).

Published genealogy and history sources document:

• The life of - and descendants of - Jacob Hochstetler and his family.
• The early Amish settlements in Pennsylvania (18th Century).
• The French and Indian War in North America - part of the worldwide Seven Years' War (1754-1763).
• The dramatic and lasting changes in North America and Europe during the aftermath of the Seven Years' War.
• The French and Indian Wars in North America (1688-1763).
• The stories of captives of the French and Indian Wars in North America.

1.8 Early New England ancestors of Sarah Jessica Parker

The NBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2010) for Sarah Jessica Parker - American actress (TV series "Sex and the City" ...), producer, and designer - includes direct ancestor links with Early New England Settlers (17th Century) - Robert Elwell (died 1683) & family - with an adventure story during the California Gold Rush - and a tense story during the Salem Witch Trials.

Published genealogy and history sources document:

• The life of - and descendants of - Robert Elwell and his family.
• The Salem Witch Trials (1692-93).
• The California Gold Rush (mid 19th Century).

Source documentation categories for additional direct family links for Sarah Jessica Parker:

• The Settlers of the Beekman Patent, Dutchess County, New York (18th Century) [Hodge(s)].
• The French and Indian Wars in North America (1688-1763) [Foote].
• The stories of captives of the French and Indian Wars in North America [Foote].
• The life of - and descendants of - other Early New England Settlers (17th Century) [Foote & Trowbridge …].
• The Royal Descent of a direct ancestor - who was an Early New England Settler [Trowbridge].

Note - apparently inspired by the genealogy research findings - Sarah Jessica Parker - is reported to have used names from her ancestry - when naming her twin daughters born subsequent to the filming of the documentary.

2. Early Canadian Ancestry (pre 1867 Confederation)

• Richard Madeley - British television presenter and columnist

2.1 Early Canadian ancestors of Richard Madeley

The BBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2011) for Richard Madeley - British television presenter and columnist - includes direct ancestor links with Early New England Settlers (17th Century) - and with Early Settlers of Nova Scotia (18th Century).

John Hicks and family emigrated from New England - to Nova Scotia c.1760.

3. Royal Ancestry

• Brooke Shields - American actress ("The Blue Lagoon", "Endless Love" ...) and model
• Sir Matthew Pinsent - English rower and broadcaster
• Alexander Armstrong - British comedian, actor, television presenter, and host of BBC One game show "Pointless"
  
• Cindy Crawford - American model
• Valerie Bertinelli - American actress (TV sitcom "One Day at a Time" ...)
• Courteney Cox - American actress (TV sitcom "Friends" ...), producer, and director
• Josh Widdicombe - English comedian and presenter

3.1 Royal Ancestry of Brooke Shields

The NBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2010) for Brooke Shields - American actress ("The Blue Lagoon", "Endless Love" ...) and model - includes direct ancestor links with Christine Marie of France (1606-1663) - who was born in the Palais du Louvre in Paris. The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) is housed in the Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre) - a former French royal palace.

Christine Marie of France (1606-1663) - a "Gateway Ancestor" - was a direct descendant of - the House of de' Medici (Dukes in Italy); Early Kings of France, England, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Sweden; and Holy Roman Emperors - including Charlemagne "Charles The Great" Holy Roman Emperor (748-814) ...

See also - Notable & Famous Descendants of European Royalty - including Brooke Shields - American actress and model.

3.2 Royal Ancestry of Sir Matthew Pinsent

The BBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2007) for Sir Matthew Pinsent - English rower and broadcaster - includes direct ancestor links with Lord William Howard (an uncle of Catherine Howard - 5th wife of Henry VIII, King of England).

Lord William Howard - a "Gateway Ancestor" - was a direct descendant of Edward I "Longshanks" King of England (died 1307) - who was a direct descendant of - Early Kings of England, Scotland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Sweden; and Holy Roman Emperors - including Charlemagne "Charles The Great" Holy Roman Emperor (748-814) ...

3.3 Royal Ancestry of Alexander Armstrong

The BBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2010) for Alexander Armstrong - British comedian, actor, television presenter, and host of BBC One game show "Pointless" - includes direct ancestor links with Edward Somerset, 2nd Marquess of Worcester (died 1667) - English Nobleman and Inventor.

Edward Somerset, 2nd Marquess of Worcester (died 1667) and his first wife Elizabeth Dormer (died 1635) - "Gateway Ancestors" - were both direct descendants of Edward III King of England (died 1377) - who was a Grandson of Edward I "Longshanks" King of England (died 1307) - who was a direct descendant of - Early Kings of England, Scotland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Sweden; and Holy Roman Emperors - including Charlemagne "Charles The Great" Holy Roman Emperor (748-814) ...

3.4 Royal Ancestry of Cindy Crawford

The TLC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2013) for Cindy Crawford - American model - includes "Gateway Ancestor" Thomas Trowbridge (died 1672/3) [Early New England Settler - 17th Century] - with direct ancestor links with European Royalty.

Published genealogy sources document Thomas Trowbridge’s direct ancestor links with European Royalty.

3.5 Royal Ancestry of Valerie Bertinelli

The TLC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2014) for Valerie Bertinelli - American actress (TV sitcom "One Day at a Time" ...) - includes "Gateway Ancestor" James Claypoole (1634-1687) [Early Pennsylvania Settler - 17th Century] - with direct ancestor links with European Royalty.

Published genealogy sources document James Claypoole’s direct ancestor links with Magna Carta Sureties/Guarantors (1215) and European Royalty.

3.6 Royal Ancestry of Courteney Cox

The TLC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2017) for Courteney Bass Cox - American actress (TV sitcom "Friends" ...), producer, and director - includes:

• "Gateway Ancestor" Col. Thomas Ligon (Lygon) (died 1675/6) [Early Virginia Settler - 17th Century] - with direct ancestor links with European Royalty.
• Ancestor Thomas de Berkeley, 3rd Lord (Baron) Berkeley (c.1296-1361) - with a dramatic story.
• Ancestor Elizabeth (le) Despenser (died 1389) - daughter-in-law of Thomas de Berkeley, 3rd Lord (Baron) Berkeley (c.1296-1361) - with direct ancestor links with European Royalty.

Published genealogy sources document:

• Col. Thomas Ligon (Lygon)’s direct ancestor links with Magna Carta Sureties/Guarantors (1215) and European Royalty.
• Thomas de Berkeley, 3rd Lord (Baron) Berkeley’s direct ancestor links with a Magna Carta Surety/Guarantor (1215) and European Royalty.
• Elizabeth (le) Despenser's direct ancestor links with Magna Carta Sureties/Guarantors (1215) and European Royalty.

3.7 Royal Ancestry of Josh Widdicombe

The BBC - Who Do You Think You Are? - episode (2021) for Josh Widdicombe - English comedian and presenter - includes direct ancestor links with Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland (1590-1649) and his wife Isabel Cope, Countess of Holland.

Published genealogy sources document both Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland & Isabel Cope, Countess of Holland with direct ancestor links with Magna Carta Sureties/Guarantors (1215) and European Royalty.

Other Images grouped by theme

• "The Family Tree" & Related Discoveries

An example of some of the clues and the "gateway ancestor" that were found on "The Family Tree" - and some of the related research discoveries.

• DNA Testing for Genealogical Research

DNA test results can provide valuable Genealogical information - as a complement to traditional Genealogical Research.

• Mayflower Voyage to New England - 1620

Replica of the famous Mayflower ship - that early European Pioneer Settlers of New England sailed aboard - from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620.

• Early Voyages to New England (1600's)

Images of the type of sailing vessels used to cross the Atlantic Ocean in the 1600's.

• Founders Monuments & Bridges in New England

Memorial Monuments and Bridges have been erected in memory of the Founders of various early Towns in New England.

• Early Towns & Communities in North America

The early pioneer settlers built the first homesteads, schools, churches, businesses, towns, roads, bridges ...

• Garrison House, Dover, New Hampshire (c. 1675)

An example of an early New England family home that was also used as a Garrison House for protection against attacks from Native American Indian tribes.

• Early Settlers, Eastern Townships, Lower Canada (1790's)

An image of an early settler's home with a description of the challenges that they faced.

• Notable & Famous Descendants of Early New England Settlers

• Kings & Queens of Scotland

Up to 1603 when James VI Stewart, King of Scotland also became James I, King of England & Ireland.

• Kings & Queens of England

Up to 1603 when James VI Stewart, King of Scotland also became James I, King of England & Ireland.

• Kings of France

• Kings of Italy

• House of de' Medici (Dukes in Italy)

• Holy Roman Emperors

• Notable & Famous Descendants of European Royalty

Notable and Famous Descendants include: Duchess of Cambridge; Princess of Wales; Duke of Edinburgh; The Queen Mother; British Prime Minister; Dukes in Italy; Scientist/Naturalist; Actor and Actresses; and President of the United States ...

• Royal Wedding - London, England 2011 and
British Royal Celebrations back to Queen Victoria

Royal Weddings & Anniversaries and Coronations & Jubilees.

• Notable & Famous Ancestors & Cousin Links of European Royalty

Notable and Famous Ancestors & Cousin Links by Country include:
Switzerland - Lords of Grandson (Grandson Castle); de La Sarraz family (La Sarraz Castle); Counts of Gruyeres (Gruyeres Castle); Lay Abbots of St. Maurice (Abbey); Benefactor of Romainmotier (Abbey); Bishop of Lausanne (Lausanne Cathedral); House of Savoy family (Chateau de Chillon & the North-South trade route over the Grand St. Bernard Mountain Pass) ...

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Links for Photos & Images of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this website.

• 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta

The Magna Carta (1215) is a symbol of justice, fairness, and human rights. Basic principles from the Magna Carta - were incorporated in the American Bill of Rights (1791) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) ...

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