This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/IMi.2ACEB/1150 Message Board Post: In 2001, over 50 descendents of the Heltons of Hylton Castle from all over America, Canada, and the U.K. held a reunion at Hylton Castle at Monkwearmouth, Durham, England. It helped uncover the fascinating story of the parts played by descendents of the Helton family in the founding of early America including the true background of William and Edward Hylton who arrived in New England in 1621. It helped uncover the story of Anthony Hylton who became Governor of Nevis & St Kitts in the Carribean in 1628, and Sir William Hylton's exploration of the Carolina coastline in the 1660's, and the story of the Hyltons of Jamaica. It also helped throw new light on the relationship between the Hylton family and the Washington family (neighbors of the Hyltons of Hylton Castle) in England and in colonial America until the founding of the United States. In July 2004, we intend to hold another Reunion of the Hylton/Helton/Hilton families at Hylton Castle, England to help complete more pieces of the family jigsaw puzzle. Can you help? Details of the Hylton Reunion 2004 can be found at; http://www.AncestryUK.com/HyltonReunionItinerary2004.htm All Hylton family descendents are welcome to attend. Note; Alexander de HELTON (actual spelling) of Hylton Castle is expressly named "Baron of the Bishopric"(of Durham) in the charters of Bishop Hugh, making a convention with Germanus the Prior and John, the Archdeacon between 1171-1174 A.D.