Among the passengers were some of the most recognisable names of the era. Their stories continue to fascinate the public, not just because of their tragic fate, but also because of the legacy and heritage they carried with them — including historic family coats of arms. At Hall of Names, we specialise in surname origins and heraldry, helping people explore their family story through symbolic ancestry. Today, we take a closer look at Titanic aristocratic coats of arms connected to several famous passengers.

What Is a Coat of Arms — and Why Does It Matter?

A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design originally granted to individuals or families during the Middle Ages. It served as a visual identifier, especially on battlefields and official documents. Over time, these symbols evolved into hereditary emblems passed through generations, often linked to noble status or significant achievements.

Each element of a coat of arms holds meaning. For example:

• Colours like red symbolise courage, while blue stands for loyalty.
• Animals such as lions or eagles often represent bravery or leadership.
• Shapes like crosses or chevrons may denote military service or honour.

At Hall of Names, our database includes thousands of historic coats of arms, often representing the earliest recorded arms associated with a surname — not a specific family line. Understanding these symbols offers a fascinating glimpse into your family’s potential origins.

Five Notable Titanic Passengers and Their Heraldic Heritage

1. Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon, 5th Baronet

A Scottish aristocrat and sportsman, Sir Cosmo’s family coat of arms features a red (gules) shield with three gold (or) lozenges in bend. Red symbolises strength and military courage, while gold represents generosity. The lozenges signify honesty and constancy — fitting for a family of baronets with a long-standing heritage.

2. Lady Lucy Duff-Gordon

Also aboard the Titanic was Lady Duff-Gordon, a celebrated fashion designer who sailed with her husband. She shared the Duff-Gordon arms. Her presence brought an air of Edwardian glamour to the voyage, but she also became a controversial figure due to her lifeboat escape.

3. John Jacob Astor IV

One of the richest men in the world at the time, Astor came from a powerful American dynasty. The Astor coat of arms typically features quartered fields of gold and blue, with eagles prominent in the design. These symbols represent loyalty, wealth, and leadership — echoing the family’s legacy in finance and real estate.

4. Margaret “Molly” Brown

Though not born into aristocracy, Molly Brown’s legacy made her a Titanic icon. Known posthumously as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” her family crest includes a blue shield and crescents, representing hope and enlightenment. She was a remarkable philanthropist whose strength shone both during and after the disaster.

5. Charles Melville Hays

As president of the Grand Trunk Railway, Hays was instrumental in North American infrastructure. His family coat of arms includes a silver (argent) shield with a red (gules) cross — symbols of peace and warrior strength. Lions in the arms suggest courage, perfectly suited to a pioneering industrialist.

The Voyage That Changed History

The Titanic was a floating symbol of ambition, wealth, and social hierarchy. First-class passengers dined in luxury while third-class families hoped for new beginnings in America. Tragically, over 1,500 people lost their lives after the ship struck an iceberg — including many of the names mentioned above.

Yet their stories live on, and so do their coats of arms. These historic symbols offer a lasting connection to their past, just as they do for countless families today.

Explore Your Own Coat of Arms

You don’t need to be an aristocrat to explore your roots. With our free name search box at the top of the Hall of Names website, you can find the earliest recorded coat of arms connected to your surname, along with fascinating surname history and meaning.

Want to learn more about the meaning behind each heraldic symbol? Explore our Heraldry Symbols guide for a breakdown of colours, shapes, and icons used in traditional arms.

Shop Heritage-Inspired Gifts

Looking to bring a touch of history into your home or gift something meaningful? Browse our full collection:

• Coat of Arms Prints
• Crystal & Glass Coat of Arms Gifts
• Shields & Plaques
• Watches & Clocks
• Homeware
• Gift Ideas
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Him

The post Famous Titanic Passengers and the Stories in Their Coats of Arms appeared first on Hall of Names.

Every name on board represented a personal story of hope, travel, family, and fate. Some passengers were wealthy first-class travellers, while others were emigrants seeking a new life overseas. This guide explores the Titanic passenger list, why it still fascinates researchers today, and how surname history can connect modern families with the past. The ship carried passengers from many countries and social backgrounds. Some travelled in luxury, while many others sailed in third class in search of work and opportunity in North America. This wide social mix is one reason the passenger list remains so compelling today.

Updated April 2026 with additional FAQs and guidance from Hall of Names.

Why the Titanic Passenger List Still Matters

The Titanic disaster of April 1912 remains one of history’s most studied events. Passenger records help genealogists, family historians, and curious readers trace relatives, understand migration stories, and explore the lives of those who travelled aboard the ship.

The sinking of the Titanic is forever etched in the annuls of history. It is of course one of the most famous maritime disasters of all time. Here we discover a little more about The Titanic and its passenger list. There was such a tragic and huge loss of life, and the disaster is as intriguing now as ever. The passenger list of the Titanic recorded 1517 passengers in total, and each one of those passengers had their own unique story to tell. Was your surname one of those that featured on board this doomed vessel?

Who Built It?

The Titanic was built by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The construction began in 1909, and it took around three years to complete. The ship was one of the largest and most luxurious of its time, designed to transport passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. The Titanic was built for the White Star Line, a British shipping company that operated ocean liners between Europe and America.

The White Star Line not only commissioned the construction of the Titanic but also its sister ships, the Olympic and Britannic. This was part of their efforts to compete with other major shipping companies like Cunard Line and Hamburg America Line. The Titanic had been hailed as ‘unsinkable’ and yet only 705 people survived. In total there were 472 lifeboat seats not used, further adding to the human tragedy.

Titanic Surnames and Family History Research

Many visitors search the Titanic passenger list to see whether their surname appears among those on board. While sharing a surname does not automatically prove family connection, passenger records can provide a fascinating starting point for deeper genealogy research.

Hall of Names specialises in surname history research and records covering over one million names, helping families explore the wider story behind their name.

Can I find out about my own surname on the Titanic?

When reading our coats of arms and surname history prints, we regularly find information about people with a particular surname who were on board the Titanic. If your own surname is recorded in the passenger list of the Titanic, then we make mention of it on our surname history print. Plus, the lifeboat number is often mentioned.

You may be able to find bearers of your name that were rescued in a particular lifeboat. We often learn the occupation of the passenger, and also the class they were travelling in. Who knows? It could be the start of a journey of family discovery! It is always sad to think about how discrepancies between the classes had such a bearing on whether passengers survived or perished.

Titanic passenger list demographics

The Titanic’s passengers were from many different countries and social classes. These ranged from wealthy businessmen and first-class travelers to poor immigrants seeking a better life in America. The majority of the passengers were from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.

Surname distribution

Analysis of the Titanic’s passenger list reveals some interesting patterns in surname distribution. For example, many of the passengers with English surnames were from the upper classes. While those with Irish surnames were more likely to be in third class. There were also many passengers with Scandinavian surnames, as well as some with Jewish and Italian surnames. Did a bearer of your surname or one of your ancestors travel on the Titanic? Tell us all about him or her – we’d love to know your story!

Famous surnames

The Titanic had several passengers with famous surnames, including John Jacob Astor IV, a wealthy businessman and real estate developer. Also Benjamin Guggenheim, a member of the prominent Guggenheim family. And Isidor and Ida Straus, the owners of Macy’s department store. These passengers were all in first class and tragically lost their lives in the sinking.

An example: The Kelly Surname

A particular surname of note is that of ‘Kelly’. On the passenger list, we find a Mr William Kelly, aged 23, who was an Irish Assistant Electrician from Dublin. He did not survive the disaster. We also find two James Kellys, aged just 19 and 44 respectively. They were both third class passengers who lost their lives in the sinking. Also another James Kelly, aged 44, and English ‘Greaser’ from Southampton, who worked on board, but sadly lost his life.

When you discover the interesting details and the background behind the surname, it brings the enormity of the tragedy into sharp focus. Each of these passengers had a story to tell, and hopes for the future as they steamed their way to America.

Survivors and victims

Many of the Titanic’s survivors and victims have become well-known through books, films, and other media. Some of the most famous survivors include Molly Brown (also known as the ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown’), a wealthy philanthropist who helped rescue other passengers. There was also Charles Lightoller, the ship’s second officer who helped load the lifeboats and later wrote a memoir about his experiences. Among the victims were a number of well-known figures, such as the American journalist and socialite Dorothy Gibson and the British writer and social reformer William Thomas Stead.

Five quick facts about the Titanic

1. It sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City.
2. The Titanic was considered one of the largest and most luxurious ships of its time, with amenities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, and Turkish bath.
3. There were a total of 2,224 passengers and crew on board, but only 710 survived the disaster.
4. The sinking of the Titanic led to significant improvements in maritime safety regulations and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol to monitor icebergs in the North Atlantic.
5. The story of the Titanic has been immortalised in popular culture through numerous books, movies, and songs. These include James Cameron’s 1997 film “Titanic,” which won 11 Academy Awards.

Legacy

The sinking of the Titanic had a profound impact on the world, and the story has continued to captivate people’s imaginations for over a century. Many books, movies, and TV shows have been made about the disaster, and there are countless websites and forums devoted to discussing its various aspects. The Titanic’s passengers and their surnames have become part of this legacy, and continue to be remembered and studied by historians, genealogists, and Titanic enthusiasts around the world. Despite its tragic end, the Titanic remains an iconic and fascinating part of maritime history.

Useful links

Click here for a useful site with a list of names and images where available. Biographies of the passengers are also available on this comprehensive site. Titanic Universe, is also a site with helpful information, and if you are in Belfast, home of the Titanic, why not visit the Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic attraction.

Have you or members of your family uncovered links to the Titanic tragedy? Please share your stories with us.  Find out the history of your own surname with our coat and history print.

Quick Summary

• The Titanic passenger list remains one of the world’s most famous historical records.
• Passengers came from many countries and backgrounds.
• Many people use the list for genealogy and surname research.
• Sharing a surname does not always mean direct family connection.
• Hall of Names helps people explore the history linked to their surname.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many passengers were on the Titanic?

Approximately 1,317 passengers were aboard during the maiden voyage, although exact totals vary slightly by source.

Can I search the Titanic passenger list by surname?

Yes. Many online archives and history resources allow surname searching of Titanic passenger records.

Does having a Titanic surname mean I am related?

Not necessarily. Many unrelated families share the same surname, so further genealogy research is needed.

Why is the Titanic passenger list still popular?

It combines family history, migration stories, and one of the best-known maritime disasters in history.

Can Hall of Names help me research my surname?

Hall of Names offers surname history research and personalised gifts inspired by historical records associated with surnames.

Discover the Story Behind Your Surname

If the Titanic passenger list has inspired you to learn more about your own family history, Hall of Names offers personalised surname history prints, framed artwork, shields, glassware, and heritage gifts based on established historical surname records.

Browse the collection or search for your surname today.

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May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated on May 1st in many countries around the world. It is also associated with various cultural and traditional celebrations. It recognises and honours the contributions of workers to society and to advocate for workers’ rights.  Here are some of the top May Day traditions.

Flowers and dancing

Many of the world’s Mayday traditions include flowers and dancing and here are four examples which include these colourful celebrations.

1. Maypole Dancing: One of the most well-known May Day traditions is dancing around the maypole. A tall pole is decorated with ribbons and flowers, and dancers weave the ribbons in intricate patterns as they dance around it.
2. Flower Crowns: May Day is often associated with spring and the blooming of flowers. It is common to make and wear flower crowns on this day, especially in Nordic countries.
3. Morris Dancing: Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance that is often performed on May Day. Dancers wear bells on their ankles and carry handkerchiefs or sticks as they dance.
4. May Queen: In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, a May Queen is chosen to represent the beauty and fertility of spring. The May Queen is often crowned with flowers and leads the May Day celebrations.

Fires and flower baskets

May Day traditions can also include fires and flower baskets to celebrate the advent of the warmer months:

1. Beltane Fires: Beltane is a Gaelic festival that celebrates the start of summer. One tradition is to light fires to symbolize the sun’s warmth and power.
2. May Baskets: In the United States, it is traditional to make May baskets filled with flowers or treats and leave them on the doorsteps of friends and neighbours.

Other popular traditions for May Day

1. The Hobby Horse (or ‘Obby Oss as it is also known) is a May Day celebration that takes place in the Cornish town of Padstow and the Somerset town of Minehead. A costumed person dances through the streets with a hobby horse, accompanied by music and singing. Read more here.
2. Crowning of the Statue of the Virgin Mary: In Catholic countries, such as Spain and Italy, it is traditional to crown statues of the Virgin Mary with flowers on May Day.
3. Furry Dance: The Furry Dance is a traditional May Day celebration that takes place in the Cornish town of Helston. Dancers wearing traditional clothing dance through the streets, accompanied by music.
4. Workers’ Protests: May Day is also a day to advocate for workers’ rights and to protest against unfair labor practices. Workers’ demonstrations and rallies take place in many countries on this day.

May Day traditions vary from country to country, but they all share a common theme of celebrating spring, fertility, and the contributions of workers to society. Whether you’re dancing around the maypole or advocating for workers’ rights, May Day is a day to come together and celebrate.

Read more about May Day traditions here.

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Surnames on the Titanic

 

The Titanic was a famous ship that sank on its maiden voyage in April 1912. The ship was carrying over 2,200 passengers and crew, many of whom lost their lives in the tragedy. Among those onboard were people from different walks of life, including prominent figures, immigrants, and families. In this blog, we will explore some of the surnames of those who were on the Titanic.

 

 

Some of the most popular surnames on the Titanic

 

1. Smith – This surname is the most common among the crew members of the Titanic. It is believed that there were at least 23 crew members with the last name Smith on the ship.
2. Brown – The Brown family had four members on the Titanic, including Molly Brown, who was famously known as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” due to her survival and heroic actions during the sinking.
3. Astor – John Jacob Astor IV was a prominent businessman and investor who was onboard the Titanic. He tragically lost his life in the sinking.
4. Allison – The Allison family had four members on the ship, including a young child named Trevor. Tragically, only one family member survived the disaster.
5. Harper – The Harper family had five members on the Titanic, including a mother and her four children. All of them lost their lives in the tragedy.
6. Hichens – Robert Hichens was a crew member on the Titanic who famously manned one of the lifeboats and survived the sinking.
7. Ismay – J. Bruce Ismay was the chairman of the White Star Line, the company that owned the Titanic. He survived the sinking but faced criticism for his actions during the disaster.
8. Ryerson – The Ryerson family had four members onboard the Titanic, including a young girl named Emily. Tragically, only one family member survived.
9. Thayer – The Thayer family had five members on the Titanic, including a young boy named Jack. Tragically, only one family member survived.
10. Widener – The Widener family had three members on the Titanic, including George Dunton Widener, a wealthy businessman and art collector who lost his life in the sinking.

 

Why did the Titanic sink?

 

The Titanic sank because it hit an iceberg on the night of April 14. The ship was traveling from Southampton, England, to New York City, USA, on its maiden voyage, and was considered to be unsinkable due to its advanced design and safety features. However, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, the impact caused a series of holes in the ship’s hull, which allowed water to flood in and eventually caused the ship to sink.

There were several contributing factors that led to the disaster, including the ship’s high speed, the lack of binoculars for the lookout crew, and the failure to respond quickly to the iceberg warning. Additionally, the ship did not have enough lifeboats for all of its passengers and crew, which resulted in many people losing their lives.

The sinking of the Titanic was a tragedy that led to significant improvements in ship safety regulations, such as the requirement for ships to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers and crew, and the establishment of an international ice patrol to warn ships of potential iceberg dangers.

 

Was there a fire the Titanic?

 

Yes, there was a coal fire burning in one of the Titanic’s bunkers for several days before the ship even left Southampton, England, on its maiden voyage. The fire was discovered in coal bunker No. 10, which was located next to one of the ship’s boiler rooms. The fire was caused by spontaneous combustion of coal, a relatively common occurrence on steamships of that era.

The Titanic’s crew attempted to extinguish the fire by shoveling coal out of the bunker, but the fire was difficult to access and could not be fully put out. As a result, the crew decided to let the fire burn out on its own. The heat from the fire weakened the bulkhead (a wall that separates different sections of the ship) that separated the coal bunker from one of the ship’s compartments, which may have contributed to the speed at which the ship sank after hitting the iceberg.

It is debated whether the fire contributed to the sinking of the Titanic, as some historians argue that the weakened bulkhead may have allowed water to flood the compartment more quickly after the iceberg impact. However, others argue that the damage caused by the iceberg was sufficient to cause the sinking, regardless of the fire.

Famous people on the Titanic

 

 

There were several famous people on board the Titanic, including:

1. John Jacob Astor IV – a wealthy businessman and real estate investor who was one of the richest men in the world at the time.
2. Benjamin Guggenheim – another wealthy businessman and heir to the Guggenheim family fortune.
3. Isidor Straus – co-owner of Macy’s department store, along with his wife Ida.
4. Archibald Butt – a military aide to President Taft, he was returning to the United States after serving as ambassador to Mexico.

 

These are just a few examples of the famous people on board the Titanic, but there were many others, including prominent politicians, authors, and musicians.

 

 

 

These are just a few of the surnames of the passengers and crew on the Titanic. Each of them had a unique story and a connection to the tragedy that has been remembered for over a century. Why not read our other blog ‘Was anyone with your surname on the Titanic?’. You may be able to find out if your own name was on board, and if so, it will be featured on our coat of arms and surname history scroll.

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What is a cypher?

A cypher is a monogram which belongs to the reigning monarch, which usually consists of the initials of the monarch interwoven with the title and surmounted by a crown. In modern heraldry the initials are often interwoven and in modern Commonwealth realms, the letter ‘R’ is used. This is to symbolise the Latin word ‘Rex’ or ‘Regina’ for King or Queen. In Scotland, the initials are surmounted by a Scottish Crown, and for King Charles’ cypher, the Lord Lyon King of Arms approved the design,(regulator of heraldry in Scotland). The practice dates back to the Tudor period using the initial of the sovereign, with the ‘R’ being added after the reign of Henry VIII. Interestingly, Queen Victoria’s cypher incorporated an ‘I’ after she became Empress of India.

King Charles III’s Cypher

On 26th September, Buckingham Palace revealed King Charles III’s royal cypher to the public. This will gradually replace the cypher of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and so it will begin to to be seen in a variety of setting, for example post boxes. The cypher contains the letters C and R interwoven with the III positioned within the upper part of the letter R, with a Tudor crown above the letters.

Who created the cypher for King Charles III?

As is customary, the Royal College of Arms created the cypher for King Charles. They presented options for the new King to consider and he selected his preference from their series of designs. The cypher is King Charles’ own personal property. So, what is the The College of Arms? Well, it was founded in 1484 and it is responsible for creating and maintaining official registers of pedigrees and coats of arms. The coats of arms on our surname history scrolls were created for a bearer of the name in times past, and as such is interesting for those sharing the name to see. (It does not mean however that the coat of arms ‘belongs’ to all people bearing the same name.)

Is the timing of the cypher’s revelation significant?

Yes. It comes after the Royal family’s official period of mourning comes to an end, seven days after her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. This is timed with members of the Royal family returning to regular duties.

When will we see King Charles’ cypher?

Displaying of the new Royal cypher will be at the discretion of the individual organisations involved. As far as post boxes go, existing post boxes will continue to display their current insignia so the changes will be very gradual. For example, there are still post boxes with the cypher of Queen Victoria – only when these need to be replaced will they feature Charles’ cypher. There will also be gradual changes to coinage, bank notes and stamps, which will be used alongside one another. So we will continue to see the face of our late Queen Elizabeth, as well as her son the new King Charles.

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Her Majesty celebrates 70 years on the throne!

Queen Elizabeth II is the first Monarch to celebrate this significant milestone. So, we’ve created Platinum Jubilee Mugs to celebrate! Although Queen Victoria was on the throne for 63 years and 216 days, our current Queen will be the first Monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee. To this end, we at Hall of Names wanted to commemorate the occasion by creating a special memento. We decided that a Platinum Jubilee Mug would be the perfect personalised souvenir, and hope you like it too! A mug is a traditional gift, so we decided to incorporate the special Platinum Jubilee logo and the Royal Arms.

Plus, we also include the earliest coat of arms for each individual customer. (There are lots of blog articles about coats of arms and heraldry here). In this way it becomes a very special item to treasure for years to come, and hopefully bring back special memories of the occasion.

How to order a Platinum Jubilee Mug

We’d love to help with your order of a Platinum Jubilee Mug. To place your order, simply click this link, let us know the surname you require and we will do the rest! Our database has more than a million surnames.  You can check yours by typing it into the ‘family name search’ box at the top of this page. Then, once we know the name you’d like and you’ve placed your order, we will arrange for your Platinum Jubilee Mug to be created especially for you. We’ll then deliver it at no extra cost (UK mainland only). Plus, you can choose to have a single mug, or a set of two or four. So if you have family members that would also like a mug, we can help.

Further resources

If you would like to get involved in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, there are lots of resources to help you. For example, there is a whole Government website dedicated to all things jubilee –  click here. Perhaps you’d like to organise a street party, or print out some colouring sheets for the children. It is all there on the jubilee toolkit, with plenty of other ideas of how to get involved.

If you are planning to attend a street party, then be sure to take your Platinum Jubilee Mugs to be the envy of your neighbours and friends!

The post Platinum Jubilee Mug now available! appeared first on Hall of Names.

Who was St David?

David was declared a saint in 1120 by Pope Callistus II.

St David (Dewi Sant) was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who lived in the sixth century. He spread the word of Christianity across Wales. According to legend, his mother (St Non) gave birth to him on a Pembrokeshire clifftop during a fierce storm. The spot is marked by the ruins of Non’s Chapel, and a nearby holy well is said to have healing powers.

The most famous story about Saint David tells how he was preaching to a huge crowd at Llanddewi Brefi when the ground rose up. In this way, he was standing on a hill and everyone had a better chance of hearing him.  A white dove, which was supposedly sent by God, settled on his shoulder. In fact, he is the patron saint of doves (and poets). He is associated with many miracles and is said to have lived to more than 100 years old!

In his lifetime, St David became a renowned preacher. He founded monastic settlements and churches in Wales, Brittany and southwest England. St David and his monks followed a simple, austere life. They ploughed the fields by hand, rather than using oxen, and refrained from eating meat or drinking beer.

On the Sunday before his death, St David preached to his followers. He used the following words:  ‘Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.’ The phrase ‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’ – ‘Do the little things in life’ – is still a well-known maxim in Wales.

What does the flag of St David look like?

The flag of St David is not actually the same as the flag of Wales. In fact, the St David flag is a yellow cross on a black background, whereas the Welsh flag displays a red dragon on a green and white background.

Why is the Welsh flag not represented on the Union Jack?

The Welsh dragon does not appear on the flag because when the first Union Flag was created in 1606, Wales was already united with England and had been since the 13th century. So, this meant that Wales was a Principality instead of a Kingdom, and as such could not be included. Also read ‘what is the correct way to fly the Union Jack’.

What is the national emblem of Wales?

Wales has not one emblem but two, both of which are plants – daffodils and leeks. St David’s Day is commemorated by the wearing of daffodils or leeks.

The Leek

There are many explanations of how the leek came to be adopted as the national emblem of Wales.

For example, one is that St David advised the Welsh, to wear leeks in their caps on the eve of battle with the Saxons. In this way, they could distinguish friend from enemy. Plus, Shakespeare mentions in Henry V, that the Welsh archers wore leeks at the battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Another possible connection is that St David himself was reputed to have consumed only leeks and water – which is perhaps why the leek became a national symbol of Wales.

Does Wales have a national costume?

It most certainly does! The national dress consists of a tall black hat, white frilled cap and long dress. The photograph below was taken int he 1920s, depicting the Welsh national costume being worn.

Are you tracing your Welsh ancestry?

Family research is more popular than ever and programmes such as the BBC’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ are tremendously popular. Here at Hall of Names, our aim is to provide background information for your search, to add even more colour to the story of your name. Our surname history prints will give details of a particular surname’s origin, including lots of background information about the name. Details include early origins, migration to the New World, famous bearers of the name and much more. We even include the earliest coat of arms relating to a bearer of the name, and lovely border graphics to celebrate your Welsh name’s origin. Read all about how we create our scrolls.

Plus, we have a great blog post, How To Trace Your Welsh Ancestors, kindly provided by ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Magazine. This article has lots of useful and information and top tips for tracing your Welsh ancestry. We have a great range of products relating to your Welsh ancestry.  Visit our shop to view the full range.

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1: What were coins called before decimalisation?

Before 1971, the system of currency was very different.  For example, there were 12 pennies to the shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound. Also, there were guineas, half crowns, three penny bits, sixpences and florins.

2: Where did the old system come from?

Prior to decimalisation, the old system of currency was known as pounds, shillings and pence or ‘lsd’. This system dated back to Roman times when a pound of silver was divided into 240 pence, or denarius, which is where the ‘d’ in ‘lsd’ comes from. (lsd: librum, solidus, denarius).

3: How did Britain prepare?

Such a monumental change in currency did not happen tot he nation overnight. To prepare for the changeover in systems, the Decimal Currency Board (DCB) was set up. They ran a public information campaign in the two years prior to the switch-over on Monday 15 February 1971. This was also known as ‘Decimal Day’. Posters of the time referred to it as ‘D-Day’. Plus, the banks were closed for four days before changeover to prepare for the event.

4: Were all the new coins introduced at once?

Not all of the coins were introduced at the same time. For example, three years before changeover, new 5p and 10p coins were introduced. These were the same value and size as the one and two shilling coins. Then in 1969 a new 50p coin was introduced which replaced the old 10 bob (shilling) note.

5: How did people compare the currency value?

Naturally, many people were concerned that unscrupulous shop-keepers would take advantage of the confusion caused by decimalisation. Fore example, many people believed that they would put prices up in the hope that they rate-hike would go un-noticed because of the change to decimalisation. To help, currency converters were made available. Plus, prices in the shops were shown in both the old currency and the new. currencies. This resulted in some of the worries being alleviated.

6: Did the change-over go smoothly?

The decimal day itself ran without a hitch, which is a testament to the forward planning and preparation. Naturally, some older members of the community found the switch-over difficult to adapt to. However, the general population embraced the new currency. Even today though, we sometimes hear the well-worn phrase of the time ‘How much is that in old money?’. The plan had been to gradually phase out the old money over an eighteen month period. People could pay in old money and get new money in change. However, as it happened the phase-out period ended as early as August 1971, just six months after decimalisation day itself.

7: What was the name for the new currency?

The original plan was that the new unit of currency would be referred to as ‘new pence’. In this way it would be distinct from  the old currency. However, this was very soon adapted to the abbreviation ‘pee’, and that is what we still use today.

8: What does ‘decimal’ actually mean?

The term ‘decimal currency’ describes any currency that is based on one basic unit with a sub-unit which is a power of 10, most commonly 100. It comes from the Latin word ‘decem’, which means ten.

9: Were there other ideas for the name?

Various other names for a new unit of currency had been suggested. These included the ‘new pound’, ‘the royal’ and ‘the noble’.

10: Will there be changes to the British currency in the future?

European counterparts adopted the Euro back in 2002, however Britain held firmly onto the pound. This is not something that is likely to change in the near future. Britain’s ‘pound sterling’ is a precious part of national identity for many. Who’s to say what will happen in the course of the next 100 years!

Did you know we have lots of other blog posts about historical events? Click here to see the range of articles. For example, recent articles have included ‘The traditions of Valentine’s Day’  and ‘The death of Winston Churchill’ .

Do you remember decimalisation / decimal day in Britain? Did you find it an easy or difficult experience? We’d love to hear your comments!

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Suffrage timeline: peaceful protest

1832:  Women were excluded from the electorate. The Great Reform Act defined ‘male persons’ as voters, and so began the first suffrage petition to Parliament. It was the first of many.

1867: More than 30 years after the first petition, Parliament held its first debate on women’s right to vote. Despite campaigning to be included in the third reform act, women were still denied the right to vote.

1889: The Women’s Franchise League forms. This league was formed to gain the support of married women as well as single and widowed women.

1897: As the women’s suffrage movement gained popularity, the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies was formed. In this way, all of the peaceful suffrage movements came together under one banner. The society was formed by Millicent Garrett Fawcett.

1903: The Women’s Social and Political Union was founded. Known as the WSPU, this union was founded by Emmeline Pankhurst in Manchester. This was 36 years after Parliament had denied women the right to vote.

Women take to the streets:

1905: Women take to the streets. In previous decades, petitions and protests had been peaceful. However, so many years of being denied the right to vote resulted in ‘justifiable militancy’. Crimes were committed, including acts such as breaking windows and damaging property.

1908: Marion Wallace Dunlop went on hunger strike this to draw attention to the cause. Brutal force-feeding of women began the following year.

1910-1912: Parliament considers a number of conciliation bills, although none of them pass.

1913: Emily Wilding Davison stepped out out in front of a horse at the Derby. She died of her injuries four days later. Thousands of women attended her funeral. In the course of her adult life, she had been arrested nine times and force-fed a horrifying 49 times.

1918: On February 6th, following the years of the First World War, the Representation of the People Act was passed. This was a pivotal moment and meant that finally women gained the vote. It had been petitioned for on more than 16,000 occasions. However, not all women were allowed to vote. It was only those over the age of 30, who met certain criteria in terms of property ownership. The age of 30 was chosen so as to avoid more women than men being on the electoral roll, following the tragedies of WWI. 8.5 million women were eligible to vote in the general election of December 14th that same year.

1919: The first female MP, Nancy Astor, entered the commons.

1928: In an amendment to the Representation of the people Act, all those aged over 21 were allowed to vote.

Sentiment

Emmeline Pankhurst had said in 1911 ‘When the long struggle for the enfranchisement of women is over, those who read the history of the movement will wonder at the blindness that led the Government of the day to obstinately resist so simple and obvious a measure of justice.’ This sentiment certainly rings true to this day.

If you are interested in our other blog posts about historical events, click here to see our range of articles. We have a wide range of products to celebrate your ancestry.  Be sure to visit our shop for some inspiring ideas. Also of interest maybe our D-Day Landings Book.

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