Forsters in Durham

[Browniescorner]

There appears to have been a lot of Forsters in Durham in the 1800's, it may even still be so.....
Does anyone know where the Forsters originally came from, were they Scottish?
I cannot find my Forsters before 1851, so cannot find where they originated.

Considering Durhams closeness to Scotland am I right in suggesting that Forsters may have migrated south at some point & inhabited the Durham area.

[birdlip]

Hi there,

The Forsters were apparently predominantly an English family, and seemed to have lived in the border contry for centuries, more in Northumberland than Durham initially. Forster is one of the famous Border Reiver surnames, see www.borderreivers.co.uk for a fascinating insight into the bloodthirsty raids carried out. No wonder the North East is dotted with fortified towers!

regards birdlip

[valerie coleman]

Hi - what Forsters are you researching. I am also looking for Forsters in the Durham area.

[Browniescorner]

I'm looking for the family of John Forster b.1819 in Southshields, Durham. He was a Mariner & married Theresa Murphy in Liverpool. They had 3 children in South Shields, Durham - John, George & Jessie & Frances was born in Liverpool. I don't know who his parents were, but want to find out. John is not in the 1861 census & his wife & children are living with Theresa's parents in Liverpool, so I presume he has died.

[hyatt]

Hi
I am looking for my Forsters from Durham as well
Francis Forster born abt 1800 Kelloe Durham married 31 mar 1838 in Kelloe Durham to Margaret heron born abt 1811 Kelloe Durham
I have them in the 1841, 1851 and 1861 census.
at least 8 children
I do not have as yet parents for either of these...sending for marriage certificate soon..but maybe someone is related to the family.

[valerie coleman]

I've not got any of those in my tree. I have a William Fo(r)ster born about 1811 in Byers Green. One of his sons, William, was born 1839 in Kelloe so there may be a connection somewhere along the line. I can't find any details on William born 1811 so I'm stuck and can't help you. Sorry