Hi Rich - I just found your message by accident!

I was born in Chard, Somerset, in 1944. My father (Leonard Raymond Symes) was also born there in 1913. His father, (Percival Edgar)was born in Combe Saint Nicholas in 1884, as was his father (Edmund James) in 1843. Between him and the 'famous' William Symes of the 16th Century there's a large blank! I gave up the ancestry seeking, due to boredom (or laziness!)

William Symes founded Chard Grammar School in 1671.

I have a sister, by the way, who, although not born in Somerset, does now live just outside Taunton.

Regards

Liz