Although this will be the last post regarding Christmas gifts (I think), the season brought so many thoughtful surprises from family and friends, this series could have continued for quite a while.
As I mentioned earlier, my niece, Donna, and her son, Ray, spent Christmas with us this year for the first time. Last summer, the two of them had traveled to England and Scotland, and they brought back some special gifts for me.
Our genealogy has been traced back to England on my maternal side (Warren) and Scotland on my paternal side (McGuriman). Donna and I are both very interested in our family history, so she was, understandably, excited about her trip.
One of my gifts from them was a cashmere scarf in our family’s tartan from Scotland.
Also, a pin, officially known as a clan crest badge.
During her visit to England, Donna learned that two of our Warren descendants from the early 1500’s and 1600’s, are buried beneath St. Mary the Virgin church in Ripple, County Kent, England. The church isn’t open every day, and an appointment is needed for admittance. Because Donna didn’t know this in advance, they weren’t able to see the interior. But she brought this stone to me from the foundation of the original church.
Here’s more info she shared in an email to me:
Inside 2 Warrens are buried “Monuments: 1663 2 reset wooden plaques on nave south wall bear brass inscriptions and shields to Thomas Warren, d.1591 and William Warren d.1612, both ‘chief customers’ of various Cinque Ports.”
The current church (1800’s) was rebuilt on the foundations of the older church. You have a piece of the foundation. The Warrens lived in Dover until late into Elizabeth 1st reign, in the late 1500’s, early 1600’s, they moved to Ripple, which is where Ripple Court or Ripple Manor was located.
The day after Christmas, Donna, Ray and I visited Colonial Williamsburg. Thankfully, the weather was cool that day, because I was determined to wear my tartan scarf.
Thanks, again, Donna and Ray; you know how much your gifts mean to me. (Especially since I don’t know that I’ll ever be brave enough to fly across “the big pond”.)
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
What thoughtful gifts. xo
Scotland is a gorgeous place….we loved every minute of our visit there. Looked up our tartan info too (at least mine – David’s solid German ancestry but I have some Scots in me!).
Pam
Your other niece is also very interested in the family history!
What wonderful gifts she gave you. That scarf is amazing and now you can wear a bit of family history when it is cold . Those were the perfect gifts. Thanks for sharing.
So, so thoughtful! I know you wear your scarf with pride. My husband’s maternal grandfather was a Warren. You’ve gotten me thinking. My dad’s family was British. That sounds like two (2) good reason for me to ‘cross the pond’.
The cashmere scarf with history is beautiful, and other gifts just perfect for a person that loves history-you! So thoughtful of Donna to being you gifts from overseas.
Lovely gifts with such special meaning. I too am fascinated by family history and I’m gleaning over the genealogy book my cousin prepared for me on our family.
Amazing gifts.. With a family connection, so all the more meaningful.. I really enjoyed having them here to celebrate Christmas !