In this sixth episode of Series Eight, host Andrew meets professional genealogist Richard Holt. He hears about how he became hooked on researching family history, what it was like to turn professional, and Richard’s attempts to access original Wills under the Freedom Of Information Act despite the efforts of the UK Government departments seemingly wishing to prevent him.

Listen to the episode

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The Life Story – Matthew Buyrn (aka John Dunmore)

Richard has decided to tell the life story of his 4x Great Grandfather Matthew Buyrn (aka Matthew Burns) who sometimes appears as John Dunmore!

Matthew was born in Edmonton, Middlesex, England in 1793 and was baptised and confirmed at Catholic churches in different places, but near to his home.

Uncovering Matthew’s story needed Richard to fully research Matthew’s son Thomas (Richard’s 3x Gt Grandfather), however, some of the census records for Thomas said he was born in Plymouth in Devon, England.

Matthew enlisted in the Royal Marines in 1812, starting at the Royal Marine Barracks at Chatham, Kent, before transferring to Plymouth.

By 1833 though, Matthew was discharged from the Royal Marines and sent to hospital at Plymouth due to him suffering from ‘mania’. A series of events including committing fraud sees him land in prison, but what is quite clear is that his mental health was poor. Richard explains Matthew’s life and ultimate demise, and the impact it had on his descendants.

The Brick Wall – Richard Brooks

Richard suspects that he is far from alone in wanting to solve the brick wall surrounding Richard Brooks, who was born circa 1740. He is known to have lived in Bledlow Ridge in Buckinghamshire, England.

Richard knows that there are many descendants of Richard who are equally as intrigued of the origins of this man, who built a cottage on common ground and lived there for many years.

What were Richard’s origins?

He appears to have been poor, and therefore there’s no Will available, and no marked grave, but Richard is intrigued by his ‘nomadic’ behaviour.

If you think that you can help Richard with a research idea or clue, then you can contact him via his website or alternatively, you can send us a message via our contact form and we’ll pass it along to him.

In the meantime, Richard is curious of Andrew’s offer of help, but will he get him to the right place?

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Episode Credits

• Andrew Martin – Host and Producer
• Richard Holt – Guest

Useful links

A list of links to resources and websites referred to in this article:

• ‘Easier access to historic wills under new government plans’ – UK Government Ministry of Justice press release, December 15, 2023.