Who Do You Think You Are Magazine Forum

[ljstod1970]

[size=3]What did you think about this first episode with Rory Bremner, I thought it waws quite good, I can't wait till next mondays programme.[/size]

[image]local://589/EE7E667BBB2A4324800CF42B6C6DC5E4.jpg[/image]

[FamilyHistoryAddict]

I thoroughly enjoyed it - especially the Crimean content and the section about cremations. I love when they find a grave (or a marker as in this case). It really ends the programme on the right note - a commemoration of a life.

Cheers, FHA

[Guy]

I was disappointed the programme was unable to carry out even basic research.
Cremations in Britain have never been illegal.
Admitted the Home Secretary, Sir Richard Cross made unlawful threats (like many Home Secretaries have done since), but that did not make cremation unlawful.

It is such basic errors that cast doubt on the accuracy of the entire series.
Cheers
Guy

[Editor]

You got me worried there. I had to rush off and check the wording in our box on cremation in the current issue but we don't say it is illegal - just that the Cremation Society of England campaigned to have cremation legally recognised - which is different.

I liked the bit when his brother answered the door as Prince Charles. You can imagine what those two were like as kids! I also loved the Crimean stuff. I've been reading Mrs Duberly's War and enjoying it a lot.

Sarah

[FamilyHistoryAddict]

More about the history of cremation here for anyone interested in the subject:

[link=http://www.srgw.demon.co.uk/CremSoc/History/HistSocy.html]http://www.srgw.demon.co.uk/CremSoc/History/HistSocy.html[/link]

Cheers, FHA [:)]

[Woodlander]

I enjoyed it too, how wonderful to find such archived family heirlooms/info so readily to hand - wish I could find similar!
Poignant moments of realisation regarding his father's life added to the interest and, although I don't profess to be knowledgeable re legalities of cremation, that part did give me food for thought beyond the actual programme - re how choices were made during the early days of cremation and what the deciding factors might be as well as reactions from anti groups etc.
Overall, a good start, bring on the next one.[:)]

[Woodlander]

Thanks FHA - I'm off for a study of that

[colliehouse]

I also found the bit about cremation fascinating. I lived near Woking Crem for the best part of 50 years and attended far too many cremations there but had no idea there was a section with marked 'graves'.

[ksouthall]

As John Ogilvy had served in India, where cremation is a more traditional ritual, could that have inspired his choice?