Jack & Michael Whitehall trace their family history back to Wales! | Full Episode | #WDYTYA

Who Do You Think You Are?

24 Feb 202457:46

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe video script delves into the family history of Jack and Michael, uncovering a complex tapestry of ancestors with varied legacies. It begins with the exploration of Jack's great-grandmother, Caroline White Hall, who was labeled a 'lunatic' and institutionalized, possibly due to syphilis, a condition that also led to the death of Jack's great-grandfather. The narrative then unfolds to reveal the surprising wealth acquired by Jack's grandfather, Reb, through an inheritance from a family member, Charles Wory, who had made a fortune in the wool trade. The story takes a dramatic turn as it explores the life of Michael's and Jack's three times great-grandfather, Thomas Jones Phillips, a solicitor and conservative political figure in Newport, Wales. Thomas is depicted as a controversial figure who actively opposed the Chartist movement, leading to his negative portrayal in Welsh history. Despite his efforts to suppress the movement, the sentenced Chartist leaders, including John Frost, were spared execution and eventually pardoned. The video ends on a reflective note, with the hosts contemplating the impact of their ancestors' actions and the complex inheritance of family history.

Takeaways

📜 The 1881 census reveals that CW Caroline White Hall, the great grandmother, was listed as a 'lunatic', indicating she was mentally ill and residing in an asylum.
🎭 Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael Whitehall, explore their family history, uncovering stories of their ancestors, including the challenging life of Jack's great-grandfather, Reb.
🏫 Reb, after becoming orphaned, was sent to a boarding school for children of commercial travelers, which was established to ensure their children could be educated even if the parent died.
💸 Reb's wealth originated from his first cousin, Charles Wory, who left him a substantial inheritance, which was a surprise to the family as they believed Reb was adopted by Wory.
🏛 Thomas Jones Phillips, an ancestor of Jack and Michael, was a solicitor and a prominent conservative figure in local politics, who played a significant role in the arrest and trial of John Frost, a leader of the Chartist movement.
🛡 The Chartist movement was a working-class movement for political reform in Britain that sought universal suffrage, and John Frost was one of its leading figures advocating for these changes.
⚖️ Thomas Jones Phillips was involved in the legal proceedings against the Chartists, particularly in the arrest of John Frost, which led to Frost's trial for high treason.
🛤️ The Newport Rising, a significant event in the Chartist movement, resulted in the death of 22 Chartists and was the bloodiest incident of the 19th century on British soil involving civilian life.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷 John Frost was initially sentenced to death for high treason but had his sentence commuted to transportation for life, eventually receiving a full pardon.
📰 Thomas Jones Phillips died three years after the sentencing of John Frost, and his legacy is marked by a plaque in St. Woolos Church, Newport.
🏛️ The story of the Whitehall family is a complex tapestry of personal struggles, social class, and political activism, shedding light on the diverse experiences of their ancestors.

Q & A

What was the significance of the 1881 census in the context of the transcript?
-The 1881 census is significant as it provides information about the family members, including Caroline White Hall, the great grandmother, who was listed as a 'lunatic', indicating her residence in an asylum during that period.
What was the term 'lunatic' used to categorize during the Victorian era?
-During the Victorian era, the term 'lunatic' was used to categorize individuals who were mentally ill, particularly those who were residents in asylums.
What was the family rumor regarding Caroline White Hall's death?
-The family rumor was that Caroline White Hall died of grief after her husband's accident with a pony and trap.
What was the profession of Richard whiteall, the grandfather of Reb?
-Richard whiteall was a commercial traveler, a profession that involved traveling around Britain selling goods.
What was the name of the school that Reb, the great-grandfather of Jack and Michael, attended?
-Reb attended a boarding school for commercial travelers, which was specifically designed to train children to follow in their fathers' footsteps in commercial travel.
What was the name of the hospital where Caroline White Hall was admitted?
-Caroline White Hall was admitted to St. Andrew's Hospital for mental diseases in Northampton.
What was the condition that led to Caroline White Hall's death?
-Caroline White Hall's death was caused by General paralysis, a condition resulting from late-stage syphilis.
What was the profession of Thomas Jones Phillips, the four times great-grandfather of Jack and three times great-grandfather of Michael?
-Thomas Jones Phillips was a solicitor who lived in Newport, Wales, and was also a significant figure in local politics, supporting conservative causes.
What was the political stance of Thomas Jones Phillips during the time of the Great Reform Act?
-Thomas Jones Phillips was a conservative, opposing the more radical changes proposed by the working-class movement, such as those advocated by the Chartists.
What was the role of Thomas Jones Phillips during the Newport Rising of 1839?
-Thomas Jones Phillips played a role in the arrest and trial of John Frost, a leader of the Chartist movement, by gathering evidence against him and participating in the legal proceedings.
What was the outcome for John Frost after the trials following the Newport Rising?
-Although initially sentenced to death for high treason, John Frost's sentence was commuted to transportation for life after appeals for clemency. He was eventually granted a full pardon.
What was the cause of death for Thomas Jones Phillips?
-Thomas Jones Phillips died after acute and protracted suffering in 1843, three years after the sentencing of John Frost.

Outlines

00:00

🏠 Family History and Ancestry Discovery

The video script begins with a focus on family history, specifically the life of a great grandmother, Caroline White Hall, who was listed as a 'lunatic' in the 1881 census. The narrative explores the career of Jack, a struggling actor and comedian, and his father's role in shaping his career. The family's normalcy is emphasized, contrasting with the rumors and speculations about their lifestyle. The conversation shifts to the family's interest in understanding their lineage, with a particular focus on Jack's grandfather, Richard Ernest Baxter Whiteall, and the family's ability to afford private education. The search for answers leads them to speak with Michael's cousin Jennifer, who might hold more knowledge about their great-grandfather.

05:03

📜 Unraveling the Past: The Commercial Travelers' School

The second paragraph delves into the history of the commercial traveler school that Reb, Jack's great-grandfather, attended after becoming orphaned. The school's purpose was to provide for the children of commercial travelers who might otherwise fall into poverty. The narrative discusses the life and challenges faced by commercial travelers, including the temptations they faced on the road. The conversation also touches upon the family's discovery of Reb's parents' tragic fate and their efforts to find Reb in the 1881 census. The paragraph concludes with a visit to the site of the commercial traveler school and a discussion with historian Jane Hamlet about the school's background and purpose.

10:04

🏥 St. Andrew's Hospital and the Fate of Caroline Whiteall

This section of the script discusses the family's exploration into the life of Caroline Whiteall, who was admitted to St. Andrew's Hospital for the mentally ill. The family reviews her patient records, which reveal a severe mental condition, possibly resulting from late-stage syphilis. The script also covers the tragic death of Caroline's husband, Richard Whiteall, and the impact of these events on their son, Reb. The family's visit to St. Andrew's Hospital chapel with Professor Hillary Marin provides further insight into Caroline's condition and the family's emotional response to this discovery.

15:04

🧳 Inheritance and the Wealth of Charles Wory

The fourth paragraph reveals the family's discovery about Reb's wealth, which he inherited from his first cousin Charles Wory. The family learns about the substantial estate left by Charles, which amounted to nearly 10 million in today's terms. The narrative discusses the family's surprise at the inheritance and their search for Reb's living situation post-inheritance. The family also uncovers information about Reb's life at Blakesley Hall with his aunt and uncle, providing a glimpse into his later years.

20:07

🏛️ The Conservative Legacy of Thomas Jones Phillips

This part of the script explores the political legacy of Thomas Jones Phillips, a solicitor and ancestor of Jack and Michael. The narrative delves into his involvement with the True Blue conservative society and his role in local politics. The conversation highlights Thomas's efforts to suppress votes for the opposing party and the controversy surrounding these actions. The family's journey to Monmouthshire to learn more about Thomas's political activities and his impact on the community reveals a complex and divisive figure in their ancestry.

25:10

🛡️ The Role of Thomas Jones Phillips in the Newport Rising

The sixth paragraph focuses on the role of Thomas Jones Phillips during the Newport Rising, a significant event in the struggle for working-class suffrage. The script describes Thomas's involvement in the arrest and trial of John Frost, a leader of the Chartist movement. The narrative details the violent suppression of the Chartist protesters by the authorities and the tragic outcome of the uprising. Thomas's efforts to gather evidence against the Chartists and his subsequent death a few years after the events are also covered, providing a somber reflection on the consequences of his actions.

30:11

🏡 Legacy and Remembrance of Thomas Jones Phillips

The final paragraph of the script provides a reflective conclusion to the family's exploration of their ancestry. It discusses the family's visit to the burial site of Thomas Jones Phillips and the discovery of a plaque commemorating his life and contributions as a solicitor. The narrative captures the family's mixed emotions upon finding the plaque and their decision to focus on their mother's ancestry, hoping for a more positive narrative. The script ends on a note of contemplation about the complex legacy left by their ancestors.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Lunatic

In the context of the video, 'lunatic' is a term historically used to categorize individuals with mental illnesses, particularly those who were residents in asylums. It is significant as it reveals the condition of Caroline White Hall, the great grandmother of the individuals discussed in the video, who was listed as a 'lunatic' in the 1881 census. This term is a key to understanding the historical stigma and treatment of mental health.

💡Commercial Traveler

A 'commercial traveler' is a term used in the 19th century for individuals who traveled to sell goods, similar to a modern-day sales representative. In the video, it is the profession of Richard Whiteall, the great-great grandfather of the hosts. This profession is important as it influenced the schooling and upbringing of his son, Reb, and provides insight into the family's socioeconomic status and lifestyle.

💡Boarding School

A 'boarding school' is an educational institution where students live on campus, typically away from their families. In the video, Reb, the great-grandfather of the hosts, was sent to a boarding school for children of commercial travelers after his parents' death. This keyword is pivotal as it highlights the challenges Reb faced in his youth and the archaic practices of the time regarding child upbringing.

💡Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. In the video, it is suggested that Caroline White Hall's mental health issues and Richard Whiteall's death were related to syphilis, indicating a tragic turn in the family's history. This keyword is significant as it provides a medical context to the family's past and the hardships they endured.

💡Inheritance

Inheritance refers to the passing down of assets, money, or property from one generation to another. In the video, Reb inherits a substantial amount of money from Charles Wory, his first cousin, which significantly changes his life circumstances. This keyword is important as it marks a turning point in the family's financial status and influences their future generations.

💡Chartist Movement

The Chartist Movement was a working-class movement for political reform in Britain that existed from 1838 to 1857. In the video, the hosts discover their ancestor Thomas Jones Phillips' involvement in the opposition of this movement. Understanding this keyword is essential as it reveals the political and social conflicts of the time and the controversial role their ancestor played.

💡High Treason

High treason is a serious criminal offense that involves disloyalty or treachery to one's country, especially to the sovereign or the state. In the video, John Frost, a leader of the Chartist Movement, is charged with high treason, which leads to his transportation to Australia. This keyword is significant as it represents the severe consequences of political activism in the 19th century and the lengths the state would go to suppress dissent.

💡General Paralysis

General paralysis, in a medical context, refers to the late stage of syphilis where the disease affects the brain and nervous system. In the video, it is mentioned as the condition that led to the hospitalization and eventual death of Caroline White Hall. This keyword is crucial as it provides insight into the medical challenges and the stigma associated with such illnesses at the time.

💡Census

A census is an official count or survey of a population, providing data on demographics and other statistical information. In the video, the hosts use the 1881 census to trace their family history and uncover details about their ancestors. This keyword is important as it represents a primary source of historical and genealogical information.

💡Wealth Inheritance

Wealth inheritance is the passing down of accumulated wealth from one generation to the next. In the video, the hosts learn about the significant inheritance their great-grandfather Reb received, which contrasts with the family's previous modest means. This keyword is essential as it illustrates the impact of wealth on family history and the potential for social mobility.

💡Victorian Era

The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, known for its industrial, cultural, political, and scientific changes. The video's exploration of the hosts' family history takes place within this era, marked by strict social norms and the stigmatization of mental illness. This keyword is important as it sets the historical context for understanding the family's experiences and the societal pressures they faced.

Highlights

The 1881 census reveals the condition of Caroline White Hall, a 'lunatic' and the mother of Richard Ernest Baxter Whiteall, indicating a history of mental illness within the family.

Jack Whitehall and Michael Whitehall discover their great-grandfather Reb's humble beginnings and the tragic loss of his parents.

Reb's mother, Caroline, was institutionalized in St. Andrew's Hospital for mental diseases, providing a deeper understanding of her life and struggles.

The family learns that Caroline's husband, Richard Whiteall, likely died from syphilis, offering insight into the stigmas and health issues of the era.

Reb's life takes a turn when he inherits a significant fortune from his first cousin, Charles Wory, in 1938.

Edith, Reb's wife, is found to be a descendant of Thomas Jones Phillips, a solicitor and influential conservative figure in Newport, Wales.

Thomas Jones Phillips's involvement in the political unrest of the 1830s, including his role in the arrest and trial of John Frost, a leader of the Chartist movement.

Phillips's actions are seen as controversial, with some viewing him as a villain for his part in suppressing the working-class movement for suffrage.

The tragic outcome of the Newport Rising in 1839, where 22 Chartists were killed by the army, is linked to Phillips's legal pursuits against the protesters.

Despite his role in the trials, Thomas Jones Phillips dies three years after the sentencing of John Frost, suggesting a short-lived victory.

John Frost, a central figure of the Chartist movement, is sentenced to death but later has his sentence commuted to transportation for life.

Frost is eventually pardoned and the Chartist movement, despite its failures, is recognized for its significant impact on the push for universal suffrage.

The exploration of the Whitehall family history uncovers both personal tragedies and broader socio-political narratives that shaped the UK's past.

The documentary-style presentation provides a nuanced view of the ancestors' lives, avoiding a simplistic or glorified portrayal of the past.

The use of primary sources such as census records, hospital documents, and legal depositions adds authenticity and depth to the family history investigation.

The narrative highlights the importance of understanding one's ancestry not just for personal identity but also for recognizing the social issues of the past.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Family History Ancestral Research Victorian Era Chartist Movement Welsh History Social Reform Commercial Travelers Asylum History Inheritance Stories Political Unrest