My research applies only to Todd family members that can trace their ancestors to Durham County in North East England. This was a very large family and members can be placed in Durham pre the Norman Conquest.

Because of its size there are many branches to the tree and the object is to align these to a specific area as far back as records allow. We are fortunate that in Durham very good records exist and there are many people that can help in steering you in the right direction.

The family has a predisposition of utilising very few "Christian or First Names" This can hamper research trying to find if it is the right person. It has happened that a Christopher Todd has been born in same area in four different families around the same year and that the father listed was William. I have myself had the wrong one in my tree for the past two years, not until a "Will" was sourced did we come to find that it was indeed another. The mothers name was not usually found on Christening records. The abode can be important many times as families did not move around much and stayed for many generations in close proximity to other members. Sometimes members can be found in other housholds uncles aunts etc.

Many of the families have had members move to other parts around the world, mine included. Areas they have migrated to include, Australia, The United States, Canada, The Bemudas, Africa, India and New Zealand. Migration started because of religious pressures with some others becuase of financial gain yet more because of the industrialisation of the former farming areas. This started as early as the 1600's and picked up in the mid 1800's. If you would like to try and trace your forebears send me a mail, we may be able to collaborate and come up with some answers.

Any questions will be answered if possible.
Noel