BUYING “BLUE BLOOD”

Southland Times, Issue 21098, 2 June 1930, Page 4

BUYING “BLUE BLOOD”

PEDIGREE HUNTERS’ TRADE. Following the proposal to erect at Falaise, the birthplace of William of Normandy, a tablet recording the names of those who. accompanied the Conqueror of England, the “fake’’ pedigree hunter is again plying his profitable trade. Normally the imposter’s principal activities are confined to American visitors during the season in London. For £5OO or a similar trifle he will prove to the satisfaction of a Middle Western mamma that although she thought she had risen from obscurity, she is in fact descended from the younger branch of a prominent family which flourished, say, during the Wars of the Roses. •

But of late a wider scope has been found. Although the saying “My family came over with the Conqueror” is an antiquated joke, there are still a lot of people who sincerely believe they can boast such distinguished lineage. But the sad fact remains that they will not part with large sums for utterly worthless information.

’ “There are only three contemporary re- ' cords which would asist to establish the identity of claimants,” a distinguished genealogical authority said recently. “The proof of descent from William’s followers would require years of research in almost every case. And there are many who are sceptical of the names which have already been put forward for inclusion on the commemorative tablet at Falaise.’’