Welcome to my family history website  

I was born in a small terraced house in Salford, Lancashire, England. I grew up thinking that I was a Salford girl, a Northerner. I thought we came from a line of local people for whom life had offered few opportunities; people who had experienced very hard lives; people with few choices.  

When I started to research my family tree, I never imagined how interesting it would be. Family history gives us a window into the past – how people lived, what jobs they did, where they lived, the political and economic forces which shaped their lives. Family history also helps us think about who we are – who and what shaped our personalities, our attitudes, our expectations. Echoes of past lives in the present.

​My family tree wasn't what I expected. I have found so many surprising stories; this research has challenged my idea of who I thought I was. There are stories of refugees and persecution; of politics and corruption, of aspiration and advancement and also of poverty and struggle. One strand that comes through these varied stories is of how industrial cities such as Manchester were magnets and melting pots, drawing people from all parts of the country. My ancestors came from all over England, Ireland, Wales and France. Their stories are rich and varied.    

​This website is focused on my paternal and maternal male lines, Parnell and the Bay respectively. I have tried to be evidence-based as far as possible whilst also to giving a flavour of people's lives.

​I realize now that my simple story of being a working class Northerner isn’t so simple after all!  I hope you find this site interesting. Do get in touch if you have shared ancestors or stories to share.  

​Janet Skirrow (nee Parnell)