Category: U.K. Heritage

  • The Resilient Journey of the Johnston Family: From Scottish Nobility to English Artisans

    The Resilient Journey of the Johnston Family: From Scottish Nobility to English Artisans

    Family histories are often tales of courage and perseverance, and the story of the Johnston family is no exception. Spanning centuries and landscapes, their journey is a vivid reminder of how resilience can shape the destinies of generations. From their roots in Scottish nobility to their adaptation as skilled artisans in England, the Johnstons’ story…

  • Lochwood Castle: A Fortress of Faith and Resilience in Covenanter Scotland

    Lochwood Castle: A Fortress of Faith and Resilience in Covenanter Scotland

    Scotland’s history is steeped in stories of faith, defiance, and resilience, and few structures embody this legacy as powerfully as Lochwood Castle, also known as Lockwood Tower. Nestled in Dumfriesshire, this once-mighty stronghold now lies in ruins, its crumbling stones bearing silent witness to centuries of conflict and change. Though much about its history remains…

  • Exploration of 1800s British Last Names

    Exploration of 1800s British Last Names

    As the backbone of one’s identity, last names are significant in narrating societal lineage’s cultural, geographical, and historical chronicles. In the 1800s, British surnames, in particular, mirrored these facets, deeply embedded in a rich tapestry of occupational, regional, and societal influences. Exploring the origins of these surnames unfolds intriguing stories tied to different aspects of…

  • Uncovering Ancestry Records:  Life Of James Johnston, London Jeweler – 1791

    Uncovering Ancestry Records: Life Of James Johnston, London Jeweler – 1791

    Embarking on a journey to explore one’s family history can be exciting and fulfilling. It is like being a detective, piecing together clues and unearthing hidden stories from the past. Recently, I stumbled upon a remarkable record online about my great-grandfather, James Johnston, who had a jewelry business in London in 1791. Read on as…

  • Family Tartans: The Fabric Of Scotland’s History

    Family Tartans: The Fabric Of Scotland’s History

    Tartan, the fabric that has become the symbol of Scotland, with its distinctive criss-cross patterns and varying colors, has a rich and storied past. Much like a family tree, tartans carry their genealogy that traces back centuries. The Scottish family tartans are interwoven threads that not only represent the historical fabric of a clan but…

  • What Does the Royal Title Baron Mean in Scotland?

    What Does the Royal Title Baron Mean in Scotland?

    I have a 5th Great Grandfather, Baron James Johnston who was a Baron in Scotland before this family lost his land and titles. If you have a Scottish Baron in your family history it is interesting to know a bit more about what the Royal title Baron means in Scotland,. In Scotland, the title of…