Posted on December 29th, 2011
Categories: Purcell
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The Purcell connection was discovered once again towards the end of 2011. This time the seeker was a member of staff for The Choral Foundation – a charity raising funding for choral scholarships for choristers of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court. Purcell was trained as a chorister there in the mid 1600s. Having found me as a descendant, I was invited to the service led by Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, to celebrate 400 years of the King James Bible. The choir is unfunded and the choristers are drawn from local schools and directed by Carl Jackson whose post is also voluntary. Hence the need for Foundation backing to secure essentials and a little more if possible. The Chapel Royal has many features from Purcell’s time although sadly little of the original organ. (Purcell was Keeper of the Pipes.) Speaking of organs and organ music – here’s an interesting CD. Also, try this unusual sheet music item for organ. I’ve sent a Mag and Nunc to the choirmaster, so we’ll see what comes of that!

Sarah Rodgers

Posted on November 12th, 2011
Categories: Purcell
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I know this news was only the blog before last and was there a very long time(!) but IE wouldn’t let me into the blogger. Now I am back courtesy of FireFox! A quick update on Purcell connections. It’s amazing who finds you – like the German television station that does an equivalent of ‘who do you think you are?’ but starting from the standpoint of a famous antecedant (HP) and an ordinary descendant (SR). Anyway, I was invited to appear on the TV show which in Germany is a rather formal affair. There was a bit of a quiz on who my ancestor might be and originally they thought I was Dutch, so my German accent must have been a bit gravelly (yes, I gave most of the interview in German, much to their surprise!). Then they gave a potted biography of Uncle Henry and his achievements and then I was interviewed and they played some of my music. It was in Baden Baden and we had a great weekend making the show and then taking the waters! Didn’t visit the casino which apparently is quite famous but stayed in a wonderful hotel. I can recommend a visit. More Purcell family news soon.

Sarah Rodgers

Posted on March 5th, 2009
Categories: Purcell
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Well here is something to be passionate about!

My name is Rodgers, my Mother’s maiden name is Broadwood and her Mother’s maiden name is Purcell. It was always a generally accepted belief in our family that we were descendants of English composer, Henry Purcell. It was not until my good friend, composer Judith Bingham, who between commissions likes to indulge her interest in genealogy, took on the scraps of paper that thus far had formed our family history, that the truth has actually emerged! And, yes, she has been able to trace my ancestry directly back to Henry Purcell who it would seem is a many times great Uncle. The book Judith has produced is a fascinating read back to Sir Richard Purcell (b.1455) and on to Henry Purcell (the elder, d. 1664) and to his sons Daniel, Henry (himself) and Edward, and to Henry Purcell the elder’s brother, Thomas. Coming down the centuries we also encounter William Purcell who was a carpenter on the Bounty in 1788-89 at the time of the great Mutiny. He is listed in the ship’s log as being ‘loyal’, so that is one black sheep averted!

I’m having a wonderful time reading up on all these fascinating characters so am probably likely to bore you to death abut it all!

More about me here!

Sarah Rodgers