Ancestry DNA offered me a chance to help trace my geographic roots. The test is simple, involves taking a sample of saliva, registering online and then sending off the sample, and waiting 6-8 weeks for the results.
The result will not give you any further details, such as health risks, just an idea of the area your ancestors were from.
I have to admit I did think twice about taking the test, and I don't really know why, yet when I was emailed with the results I was excited. What would it show?
So my ethnicity from thousands of years ago showed that my ancestors came from certain areas - 45% from Great Britain, 33% from Ireland and 12% from Western Europe and the rest from other areas of the world.
My 'Genetic Community' from hundreds of years ago was marked as Southern English. This covers the area of South Wales and the South West of England. Now I wasn't surprised at this as my mum was born in Bristol and I was born in Wales and I have lived there all my life. What did surprise me was the fact that by going back thousands of years my ancestors hadn't really moved far from the area.
Genetic Communities are groups of AncestryDNA members who are connected through DNA most likely because they descend from a population of common ancestors. They may no longer live in the area where those ancestors once lived.
Genetic Communities are groups of AncestryDNA members who are connected through DNA most likely because they descend from a population of common ancestors. They may no longer live in the area where those ancestors once lived.
The results also showed a number of people I am connected too. From a third cousin match which was very high to more distant relatives.
If you are curious about your heritage then it's worth considering AncestryDNA. The basic saliva test is available from £79. The results are a great starting point for researching your family tree. This is a feature you pay for, from £59.99 for one year, but at the moment you can take a 14-day free trial to try the service.
You never know, it may connect you to relatives you never knew you had!
I really fancy doing this - I know I'm from an Irish family, but I'd love to see if there's anything else in my DNA.
ReplyDeleteIt was really interesting to do Sally.
DeleteI've very envious of you as I'd like to do this. My brother has done it and I'd like to compare our results and I'd like to see how my son differed too.
ReplyDeleteThat would be interesting. I am going to send off for my husband to do it.
DeleteIt sounds like a fascinating thing to discover. I've been told that my family is originally from Russia but never been able to find out if that's true.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an interesting aspect to research Joanne.
DeleteMy grandparents have just had theirs done but now my dad needs to do his. I think he is saving up. Then I will know a lot about my own heritage. I have been using ancestry for years and have gone back really far on many lines! I love family history!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you all love to research your heritage.
DeleteI would love to do this, I am German and would kind of like to know more about my past relatives. Might actually try this out :)
ReplyDeleteTry it Shelley, it's a very interesting experience.
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