Hello all: Does anyone have any ideas regarding how far back we can honestly say we can go in genealogy [and be documented that we have a genuine family line!] It is very difficult to read the Parish Records, as an example, unless one made a study of the ancient handwriting. The inks are faded. The pages get torn and/or brittle etc. So many things that would make it impossible to get into the past beyond certain years. Some ministers recorded events in the early 1700's by saving as much space as they could, and the writing is not only faded, but very squished into small areas. There must be some general opinions on this subject. The reason I ask is because I have heard people say they go back to some historical figure that existed in 800 or 1200 or similar. Is that likely to be an official line or a figment of imagination? The pros and cons of this would be much appreciated! Kind regards, June Conklin Ridsdale