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It was about 1967 That I first became interested in genealogy, or in other words tracing the Swan family history. Now some 40 plus years later, after amassing quite some considerable amount of information by way of facts and figures, the question arises, what to do with them? The usual graphs and charts are all right in their way, but do not give any insight into the times our ancestors lived in, or allow for displaying anything but the bare facts. After much deliberation I decided to try and write it in story form.
Decision made! Troubles over? Far from it. This story demonsrates something of the difficulties which face anyone trying to write up a family history. The subject is a very wide one indeed, ranging over the whole field of human activity in the past. And yet the attempt must be made to write within a limited space. There is always the danger that statements may become misleading generalisations, not applicable to all areas of the country or all periods. Further the amount of material to be covered may lead to the tendency to put into the story a long meaningless catalogue of events or sources. I am very conscious that this story reflects all these problems, the more so because it has been put together by someone with absolutely no previous experience.
Nevertheless, the document will, I hope, have some value, both to those who have just a passing interest in the Swan Family History, and to those who have the desire or inclination to investigate further.
Vic Swan Tuesday, 03 March 2009 11:50 AM
1, Ventnor Road
Portland
Dorset
DT5 1JE
PS. Notes on the various towns and villages are from personal observation, various guide books and local histories etc.
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