Embracing My Roots

This memorial sculpture inside St. Mary’s Church in Hitcham, England honors my 10th great grandfather, Roger Alford.

I recently returned from an amazing 10-day trip to the United Kingdom where I celebrated my 60th birthday and discovered some amazing facts about my family history. One of the most moving experiences was discovering this monument inside St. Mary’s Church in Hitcham, England, which honors Roger Alford, my 10th great grandfather. Roger, who died in 1580 and is buried inside the church, was personal secretary to Sir William Cecil, who was Queen Elizabeth’s Secretary of State. The monument shows Roger at prayer with his wife, Elizabeth Clark Alford, and their two children — Edward and Anne. Roger’s son and grandson would both end up serving as members of the English Parliament. I’ll be sharing more of this story and the benefits of knowing your family history in an upcoming episode of Home Where You Belong.