In a message dated 29/06/2007 15:59:18 GMT Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Anyone here related to the Best family of Co Durham? Lindsay: Given that Best is not exactly a rare surname - I think it was probably originally Irish and there was a huge amount of Irish immigration into the north-east of England in the 19th century - it is not really a good idea to refer to "THE Best family of Co Durham". Co Durham is a very populous district and I am sure there are several - many, indeed - Best families who are either quite unrelated to each other or whose relationship goes back to an earlier date than that to which it would be traceable. It would be better to refer to "A Best family from Co Durham". To be really meaningful, however, you would be best advised to always refer to a name and date or place where at all possible - eg "Anyone connected with a George Best of Lanchester who married about 1840?". Geoff Nicholson