Website updated 31 August 2009

More 1911 census data has been added, still need one more visit. It has been an interesting exercise, and amazingly I have found all those returns I have received. I have discovered much new information.

I have been fortunate to receive many photographs this month, and they have been added to the website. Together with many updates.

Do look at the recently updates files, there are quite a few!!

I have added a new page Name changes which details those Greatheads that disappeared and reappeared with a new surname. Those that I have found anyway, maybe there are more!! Sometimes they have been quite difficult to uncover.

As usual I have attempted to add more source data to dates previously unknown, guessed or provided and unchecked. My good friend Tony has helped me with this exercise. Still lots to do so keep the ideas coming please

Photographs of Greatheads

Doris in Los Angeles has sent me some wonderful pictures of her parents, grandparents and great grandparents and her aunt. All have been included in the database and will appear on the website on next update due 31 August. Thank you Doris they are amazing and oh how the menfolk look alike, wait and see what you think

Name changes

I have added a page to the website entitled "Name changes" which details several Geatheads who have changed their surnames for various reasons. I hope you find reading interesting

More 1911 census records collected

Today I went to London to meet my friend. We went on a London Walk around St James Palace area, whizzing up small passages to find amazing sights. We certainly learned a lot today as well as exercising our legs.

We then went on to the Family Record Centre in Kensington and I collected a whole load more 1911 census sheets. One more day may complete most of thee initial records that I am after. Thanks Rita a great day

GRO index references

I have been working with a young gentleman collecting many of the missing GRO index references. between us we are filling in many of the "holes" Thanks Tony, keep the thoughts coming

Alfred Douglas Greathead

Back in 2003 I lost contact with a lady who out of the blue contacted me today. Fantastic with her help I hope to bring her family up to date. She tells me her Dad, Alfred Douglas Greathead died in 1999. I hope to hear more from her very soon

So good to MEET people

Today I had the very great pleasure in having lunch with a gentleman with whom I have chatted via Email for a while. He is the grandson of Kate Greathead . He and I spent several hours chatting about the extended Greathead family, statues, graves and life in general. The time passed so quickly

Thank you Raymond

Possible new origin for the name of Greathead

Just heard from a lady, sister of the one with whom I corresponded yesterday, whose Grandfather changed his and his heirs surname from Greathead to that of his recently deceased wife's maiden name because his sons were experiencing some taunting at school. All will be revealed in the next update

How many of us had to endure those words "bighead" during our school days!!!

I did not like the name while I was growing up, but now I think it is wonderful, so I understand

Sallyanne has said told me that she heard claim the origin of the name of Greathead was that the originator was the right hand man to King Harold and was larger than average and the head of his battle axe as thus extremely large and heavy, and only he could lift and use it.

It's possible.............................

Greathead - Evans

I have spent much time attempting to discover why some families seem to just disappear off the radar. Yes, I check the emigration records but it is difficult to pick up name changes without immediate family knowledge.

So it was great when Val contacted me to tell me about her Grandfather Oswald Greathead changing his and his heirs surname to Evans.

With her help I have been piecing together the families movements, much easier when you have the correct surname!!

All will be revealed in the next update