Hertfordshire Village Walks: Stanstead Abbotts to Hunsdon and Widford.

[@barbaralamson7450]

You are never alone when you take us with you. I enjoy your journeys as much as you, I think. Thank you. 😊

[@arcadia449]

Thank you.

[@muddyboots2531]

I cannot get out walking at the moment so really enjoying your walk with you.

[@arcadia449]

Same here. Knee problem which is stopping me from walking.

[@ralphwinter6421]

Nice one David, wonderful walk...

[@arcadia449]

Thank you.

[@donnaribotto2651]

Fantastic. A real adventure. These are the best walks. I was ready for a drink at the end. 😉

[@arcadia449]

I'm always ready for a drink...lol.

[@debbief9861]

Making my way through your videos! I discovered during my family history research (fascinating!) that, prior to the very familiar trek into The Smoke (particularly the poorest part of East London), my family were in the Aldbury area of Herefordshire, and nearby counties - ie. Bucks and Beds, as was often the case.) There's so many questions to ponder when you're trying to get a feel of what your ancestors' lives involved, not to mention the decision finally to leave the countryside and head into the big city - London, in this case. I'm sure I'll be posting more comments!

[@debbief9861]

Ps. I did watch your Aldbury video previously. Just about to watch it again. Incredible to think of family members there, hundreds of years back.

[@arcadia449]

Many of my ancestors lived in rural areas and were agricultural labourers. In the 1880's the price of wheat collapsed when they began importing cheaper grain from America. This led to thousands of farm workers being made redundant. Many upsticks and headed to the towns and cities to find alternative work.

[@debbief9861]

@@arcadia449 thanks. Yes, I've researched the events affecting the local economy and jobs. I looked at my dad's family name, as a start. Interestingly it's Fenn, and my research certainly indicates I'd be tracing the family back to the Fens! People often originally had names associated with their surroundings, as you know. I've followed backwards from East London to St Albans to Aldbury, then across the border into Bucks and Beds. It might be difficult to find any records further back, but I'm sure it would take me further eastwards. Anyway, there's always something and someone to look into! It's the most incredibly interesting and awe-inspiring activity. It's not just filling out a tree. It's researching and thinking about the lives and the environment and the relationships. Whereabouts were your people?

[@arcadia449]

@@debbief9861 I learned that Geoff Capes was my cousin. Sadly he's just passed away.

[@debbief9861]

@@arcadia449 sorry to hear that.