It's Time for Family Feud!

# Discovering My Ancestry: A Journey Through Family Drama and Notable Figures

## A Glimpse into My Family History

No, I'm not talking about the TV show, but rather the family drama in which everyone seems to have some stories to tell. I used to think that I had personally witnessed some doozies of family squabbles, but they all seem like child's play compared to what my 21st and 19th paternal great-grandfathers had!

Quite a while back, I caught a portion of "
Who Do You Think You Are?"
that featured the well-known actress, Courtney Cox. Unfortunately, I missed the first half of the show, and despite the fact that pretty much everything these days is a rerun, I've never been able to find that particular episode again. The portion of the show that I did see involved some names from Courtney's ancestral family, and I immediately recognized them as the same names in my own family tree—especially King Edward II and Thomas de Berkeley, my 21st and 19th paternal great-grandfathers, respectively.

The Legacy of King Edward II

King Edward II was my 21st paternal great-grandfather and a descendant of the Plantagenet dynasty, which originated in France. His reign was marked by significant events, including battles with the Scottish King Robert I, known as Robert the Bruce, who is yet another paternal great-grandfather of mine. Edward's life was filled with drama, political intrigue, and, ultimately, tragedy.

Thomas de Berkeley (pronounced Barkley) was my 19th paternal great-grandfather. He descended from the de Ferrieres family, who arrived in England after the Norman invasion led by another paternal great-grandfather of mine, William the Conqueror. The intertwining of these notable figures in my family tree is both fascinating and humbling.

The Connection to Courtney Cox

During Courtney Cox's
WDYTYA?
episode, the genealogist she met with in England mentioned that she was related to the de Berkeley clan. Her great-grandfather, Thomas de Berkeley, was implicated in the murder of King Edward II. At the mention of those two names, my ancestry antenna went up. I immediately knew that both of these people were in my family tree. At the time, I knew that King Edward II was a great-grandfather of mine, but I wasn't certain about Thomas de Berkeley. A quick check on my family tree confirmed that they were both my great-grandfathers, connected through the same paternal branch.

One of my 15th paternal great-grandfathers is Sir Charles Somerset, the 1st Earl of Worcester. Everyone has several sets of grandparents once you get only a few generations back—at least one hopes that they do!

The Gruesome Tale of Edward II

If you are not familiar with the story of King Edward II and find historical tales interesting, I suggest you spend some time online researching his life. His battles with Robert the Bruce, the English barons, and the French Royal Family are captivating. However, the most personally interesting part of Edward II's history—and that of my other great-grandfather, Thomas de Berkeley—is that Edward II was murdered in Berkeley Castle. This castle is still inhabited today by a Berkeley descendant and is the oldest castle in England continuously occupied by the same family. The circumstances of his murder are so gruesome that one would expect the great horror master, Stephen King, to have dreamt them up!

Reflections on Family Drama

All of this makes the family squabbles—and sometimes actual physical fights—pale in comparison to these two great-grandfathers of mine. I’m sure there are many more tales of drama, scandal, and murder within my family tree. With as many members of nobility as I’ve found, there’s no way that there aren’t more stories waiting to be uncovered!

But for now, my biggest question is, "How are Courtney Cox and I related?" This question has been bothering me since I discovered that Matt Bomer, another distant paternal cousin of mine, and Courtney Cox are also cousins. How distant, I have no idea, and I dislike an unsolved mystery as much as Jessica Fletcher and Columbo combined!

The Adventure Continues

As I delve deeper into my family history, I find myself captivated by the stories of those who came before me. Each discovery feels like a piece of a puzzle, revealing not just names and dates but the rich tapestry of lives lived. I encourage you to embark on your own journey of discovery. You never know what fascinating connections you might uncover.

Whether you're tracing your lineage or simply curious about your roots, the adventure of genealogy is filled with surprises. Who knows? You might find yourself connected to a historical figure or a celebrity, just like I did with Courtney Cox.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my exploration of family history has been a thrilling ride. From the drama of royal lineage to the mysteries of distant relatives, each step brings new insights. I hope my journey inspires you to explore your own ancestry. After all, the stories of our ancestors are waiting to be told, and they might just surprise you!

King Edward II

Effigy of Thomas de Berkeley