I am currently reading a book called ‘The ship beneath the ice’ about the discovery of the ship ‘Endurance’ that Ernest Shackleton sailed to Antarctica with. So, as usual, I checked the line of ancestry…and yes…you’ve guessed it…I’m 31 degrees away from Ernest Shackleton. This trawl through my ancestry proved to be very interesting. Going from blacksmiths in Bishopwearmouth to South Africa and then to the Spencer-Churchill family. So let's begin…
First of all…who is Ernest Shackleton. Ernest Shackleton was a British explorer who is best known for his leadership during the Antarctic expeditions of the early 20th century. Born in Ireland in 1874, Shackleton was drawn to exploration from an early age and joined the merchant navy at the age of 16.
Shackleton's first Antarctic expedition was with Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Expedition of 1901-1904. He later led his own expedition, the Nimrod Expedition, in 1907-1909, during which his team came within 97 nautical miles of the South Pole.
Shackleton's most famous expedition was the Endurance Expedition of 1914-1917. The goal of the expedition was to cross the continent of Antarctica on foot, but the mission was cut short when Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, became trapped in ice and was eventually destroyed. Despite the harsh conditions and constant setbacks, Shackleton managed to lead his crew to safety, without losing a single life, through a remarkable feat of endurance and leadership.
After his return from the Endurance Expedition, Shackleton continued to pursue exploration and leadership roles. He served in World War I and led several additional expeditions to Antarctica. Shackleton died in 1922 of a heart attack while on another Antarctic expedition.
Ernest Shackleton's leadership during the Endurance Expedition and his remarkable feats of endurance in the face of adversity have made him a legend in the annals of exploration. His story has inspired generations of adventurers and leaders, and his legacy lives on as an example of the importance of perseverance, courage, and leadership in the face of adversity.
We have to start our journey somewhere so let’s start with mining in the North East, mainly in Whickham, Tanfield and Bishopwearmouth. Andrew Clark and his father William who were both blacksmith’s in the pits near Bishopwearmouth. I wondered why they would need blacksmith’s in the pits, but I had forgotten that pit ponies were used down the mines to transport the coal from the pit face.
The person who is interesting here is Barbara Wakinshaw (1821 - 1914). Barbara is the sister-in-law of 2nd cousin 1x removed of husband of 1st cousin 1x removed of wife of 2nd great-granduncle (I like to keep you informed) who was born in Bedlington, Northumberland but died in 1914 in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She married Barnabus James Shaw in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1843. Reverend Barnabas James Shaw was a prominent figure in the early history of the Methodist Church in the United Kingdom. Born in 1821 in Rotherham, England, Shaw grew up in a religious family and was educated at Woodhouse Grove School in Leeds.
Shaw began his ministry in the late 1840s and quickly gained a reputation for his powerful preaching and evangelism. He was a charismatic and energetic preacher, and his sermons were marked by their passion and urgency.
In 1861, Shaw was appointed to the position of Secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, a role in which he played a key part in the expansion of Methodist missionary work around the world. He was also heavily involved in the temperance movement and advocated for the prohibition of alcohol, which he saw as a major social evil.
Throughout his career, Shaw remained committed to social justice and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor and oppressed. He was a strong advocate for workers' rights and was involved in campaigns for better working conditions and the establishment of trade unions.
Reverend Barnabas James Shaw died in 1885, leaving behind a legacy of passionate preaching, tireless advocacy for social justice, and a deep commitment to the Methodist faith. His contributions to the early history of the Methodist Church and the broader social justice movement continue to be remembered and celebrated today.
Barnabus’ father was also called Barnabus and was born in Elloughton, Yorkshire, England in 1788. Barnabus was one of the early Wesleyan Missionaries to come to the Cape, arriving in 1816 and along with the Rev. E. Edwards and the Rev. T. Hodgson, they set up a mission to minister to the black nomad tribes. Barnabas played a major role in the growth of the church in the Cape, and this culminated in the erection of the Wesleyan Methodist Church on the corner of Burg and Church Streets, Cape Town, in 1829 (Methodist House now stands on this site). A memorial tombstone is still in place, in memory of Barnabas Shaw, who is regarded as the founder of South African Methodism.
Barbara Wakenshaw and Barnabus Shaw’s daughter was Susanna Shaw and she was born in Wynberg, Western Cape, South Africa in 1845. In 1867 she would marry Frederick Gilfillan who was a Scottish poet and literary critic born in 1824. He was the son of a Presbyterian minister and grew up in the town of Comrie in Perthshire.
Gilfillan attended the University of Glasgow and then trained for the ministry in the Scottish Church. However, he ultimately decided to pursue a career in literature and became a prominent literary critic, writing for a number of prominent publications including the Edinburgh Review and the North British Review.
As a poet, Gilfillan was known for his romantic and lyrical style, which drew inspiration from the natural beauty of his native Scotland. He published several volumes of poetry over the course of his career, including "The Gallery of Literary Portraits" and "The Bards of the Bible."
Gilfillan was also a well-respected literary critic and was known for his passionate and often controversial opinions on the works of his contemporaries. He was a strong advocate for the Romantic poets, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Shelley, and was critical of the prevailing literary trends of his time.
Despite his reputation as a talented poet and critic, Gilfillan's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and several of his children to illness, and struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life.
Frederick Gilfillan died in 1863 at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy as one of Scotland's most promising young literary talents. Though his career was tragically cut short, his contributions to the world of literature continue to be celebrated today.
The Gilfillan family was a prominent Scottish family that produced several notable figures in literature and religion. The family's roots can be traced back to the town of Comrie in Perthshire, where they were known for their strong Presbyterian beliefs.
One of the most prominent members of the Gilfillan family was Robert Gilfillan (1798-1850), a poet and songwriter who was known for his contributions to Scottish literature. He was a prolific writer and published several volumes of poetry over the course of his career, including "The Harp of Perthshire" and "The Whistle," a collection of Scottish songs.
Robert's son, George Gilfillan (1813-1878), was also a noted literary figure. He was a minister in the Scottish Church and became known for his passionate and often controversial sermons. He was also a respected literary critic and writer, and contributed to several prominent publications including the Edinburgh Review and the North British Review.
Hugh Ferrier Griffiths (1869 - 1944) was the nephew of Frederick Gilfillan and was the person on whom Edgar Wallace's character Sanders in 'Sanders of the River' was based. He was a Native Commissioner at Graskop and later at Rustenburg. He would marry Florence Caldecott who was born in 1874 in Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. Her sister Ivy Maud Caldecott who was born in 1879 would marry Richard Horatio Edgar Wallace who was an English writer born in 1875. He is best known for his prolific output of detective and mystery novels, which made him one of the most popular and successful authors of his time.
Wallace began his writing career as a journalist, working for several newspapers and magazines in London. He later turned his attention to writing novels, and over the course of his career he produced more than 170 books, including thrillers, crime novels, and adventure stories.
Many of Wallace's novels feature detectives and investigators who are called upon to solve complex and often violent crimes. His most famous creation is probably the character of J.G. Reeder, a detective who appears in several of his novels.
Despite his success as a writer, Wallace was also involved in a number of other ventures during his lifetime. He worked as a war correspondent during World War I, and later founded his own film production company. He also wrote several plays and screenplays, and his work was adapted for radio and television.
Wallace's writing was enormously popular during his lifetime, and he was one of the best-selling authors of the early 20th century. His influence can be seen in the work of later writers in the detective and mystery genres, and his books remain popular with readers today. He died in 1932, but his legacy as one of the most important and successful writers of his time continues to be celebrated. We now look at his son Bryan Edgar Wallace, a British author born in 1904.
Like his father, Bryan Edgar Wallace also became a successful writer of crime fiction. He wrote over 170 novels during his career, many of which were popular with readers for their fast-paced action and intricate plots.
Wallace was also a screenwriter and contributed to the scripts of several films, including the 1932 horror classic "The Old Dark House."
Despite his success as a writer, Wallace's life was marked by tragedy. He suffered from ill health for much of his life and struggled with alcoholism. He died in 1941 at the age of 36, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific and popular crime writers of his time.
Today, Bryan Edgar Wallace is remembered for his contributions to the crime fiction genre and for carrying on the legacy of his famous father. His books continue to be read and enjoyed by fans of the genre, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary writers of crime fiction.
Wallace would marry Margaret Winifred Lane who was born in Cheshire in 1907. Margaret Lane studied at St. Hugh's College of Oxford University, worked as a reporter for some years and went on to become a critic as well as an author. Her 1934 marriage to Bryan Wallace, son of the writer Edgar Wallace, was dissolved in 1939. In 1944 she married Francis Hastings the 15th Earl of Huntingdon, a mural painter. He died in 1990. They had two daughters. Margaret Lane's two books, "The Tale of Beatrix Potter: a Biography" (1946) and "The Magic Years of Beatrix Potter" (1978), were widely praised. When "The Tale of Beatrix Potter" was published in the United States, it was lauded for its deep understanding of Beatrix Potter, who helped Margaret with the book, and for its vivid depiction of Miss Potter walking the hills and moors, gathering material for stories and pictures. Her 1975 book "Samuel Johnson and his World" has been called one of the very best modern works on Johnson. Her 1953 book about the writer Charlotte Bronte and members of her family, "The Bronte Story," won praise as an outstanding literary biography. And her 1965 novel "A Night at Sea" was lauded for its poignancy and narrative suspense. She wrote more than two dozen books in all and also wrote books for children. In 1994, Margaret, by then Dowager Countess of Huntingdon, died in Southampton, England. She was 86.
Margaret’s daughter Caroline Hastings, born in 1946, would marry The Honorable Charles Edward Ernst Shackleton who is the grandson of Ernest Shackleton.
Margaret Lane’s first husband, Francis Hastings, leads us to a few interesting people. His mother was Maud Margaret Wilson, who was born in Melbourne, Victoria in 1868. Her father was Samuel Wilson (1832 - 1895) married Lady Jean Campbell, who was born in 1841, and Lady Jean’s father was William Campbell, a prominent figure in Australian history. Born in Aberfoyle, Perthshire, Scotland in 1810, he migrated to Australia in 1839 and settled in the Port Phillip District (now Victoria).
Initially working as a stockman, Campbell quickly made a name for himself as a successful pastoralist, acquiring large tracts of land in the region. He also became involved in the banking industry and was a founding director of the Bank of Victoria.
In addition to his business interests, Campbell was also active in politics. He was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1856, serving as a member for several years. He was also a strong supporter of the movement for Australian federation, and played a key role in the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
Throughout his life, William Campbell was known for his intelligence, shrewdness, and dedication to the growth and development of Australia. He passed away in 1896 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in Australian history.
Samuel’s brother Gordon Chesney Wilson (1865 - 1914) married Sarah Spencer-Churchill. This is a whole new story…follow for more!
(1865 - 1929)
Back to Francis John Clarence Westenra Plantagenet Hastings, known as Lord Hastings. Hewas a British soldier and politician who served in World War II. Born in 1901, he was the son of the 16th Earl of Huntingdon and grew up in a prominent aristocratic family.
Hastings joined the British Army in 1922 and served in various capacities throughout his military career. During World War II, he was appointed as a Brigadier and commanded the 4th Infantry Brigade during the Allied invasion of Italy. He later served as a Major-General and was involved in the planning of the Normandy landings in 1944.d
After the war, Hastings turned to politics and was elected a Conservative Member of Parliament for Mid-Bedfordshire in 1945. He served in several positions in the government, including as a Junior Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service.
Hastings was also a noted author and historian, and wrote several books on military history and the British aristocracy. He was a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Geographical Society.
Hastings died in 1990 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as a distinguished soldier, politician, and scholar.
