Hi everyone, On behalf of my husband I am researching the surname BLANKEN (now BLANKING). All the BLANKINGs in the UK stem from one person, namely Johann Heinrich BLANKEN who arrived in London on the 2nd September 1836 age about 18. I understand he came over from Hamburg on the ship “Columbine”, a sugar baker from Hannover. Somewhere along the line it appears he could have lived in Kirchtimke but I am not certain. On his marriage certificate (to Sarah Jenner) in London he names his father as Henry, a farmer, presumably still living in Germany if alive. I would like to know how long it would have taken to travel from Hamburg to London in those days; what would the conditions be like on the ship, etc. etc. and also if he did come from Kirchtimke. Would like to hear from anyone who can help. Regards Pearl Blanking -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.430 / Virus Database: 268.14.19/556 - Release Date: 28/11/2006 15:22