People Share Wild Pieces of Family History Passed Down by Ancestors

This author’s family history may not be filled with saints and heroes, but it is certainly colorful and intriguing. Their only famous relative was barred by an act of Parliament from ever holding the position of warden of a prison again due to massive corruption. This is no small feat, considering the high level of corruption that was rampant in 18th-century Britain.

While corruption is never to be applauded, it’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer scale of this relative’s misdeeds. This story is a reminder that our family histories are often filled with complex and flawed individuals and that even the most notorious of our ancestors can offer an intriguing glimpse into the past.