> 2. Mary Jane KNIBB first came to my knowledge via John KNIBBS extracts of a > Northampton parish register. The published National Probate Calendar (later > typed out by Robin) revealed she left a Will on her death in 1911 and that > she lived in a posh address in Whitehall. Michael PEARMAN obtained further > details for me but she hadn't left the fortune that I had, perhaps > optimistically, imagined. The 1881 census listed her as a housekeeper to an > MP. In 1891, she is at the same address but then housekeeper to the Duke of > Buccleuch. Rose-Marie, is that the closest your tree gets to royal stock? Alan It is obvious to me I must do more homework. This is the second time recently you have mentioned something on my tree that I do not recognize. Could you remind me who Mary Jane KNIBB. The Duke of Buccleuch has Boughton House which is very close to Geddington and Newton so this Mary Jane probably worked there first and then went to their town house. As for getting close to royal stock - brothers and sons-in-law have hobnobbed with royalty, prime ministers and presidents from time to time. On my maternal line one gt gt grandfather, Minister of Tomintoul, Scotland preached to Queen Victoria. And Gilbert's father came into contact with Edward Vlll when he was in the RAF in Norfolk However, we haven't found the blue blood connection - yet! regards to all Rose-Marie