The Ancestor. Edited by Oswald Barron, F.S.A. Number X. (A.
Constable and Co. 5s. net.)—This "Quarterly Review of County and Family History, Heraldry, and Antiquities" con- tinues to perform its function, definable as the scientific treatment of its subject, with energy and success. The families about whom we are instructed are the " Cartwrights " (a Kentish race, to which belonged various notable persons, among them "Mrs. Markham," née Elizabeth Cartwright, and by marriage Mrs. John Penrose), the " Clinton," the " Comyns," the " Gresleys," the " Petts" (builders of the " Navy"), and the " Frekes." Mr. W. Bandon continues to bring to light the doings and misdoings of the Heralds' College. One of the most interesting things in the volume is the editor's vindication of the Gresley pedigree. A certain historian of Derbyshire (not named) had brought against it a charge of forgery. In 1611 a certain 'George Gresley, of Drakelowe, was made a baronet. This is the man who is said to have attempted "a most impudent fraud," purchasing the land of Drakelowe and hiring a herald to make up a pedigree. As a matter of fact (Mr. Barron has with him in the matter the unimpeachable authority of Mr. Falconer Madan), Sir George Gresley was the son of a Sir Thomas Gresley, Knight of Drakelowe, and grandson of Sir William of the same place. The descent is further traced to Thomas, George, K.C.B., Thomas (present at the coronation of Richard III.), John, Thomas (both at Agincourt), Nicholas, John, Geoffrey (of the Barons' war). In short, the pedigree goes up to Neel, who held under the Conqueror. We are glad to see from " Burke " that there is no want of male heirs.
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