The Blackledge/Blacklidge DNA Project adds an additional tool for genealogical research. We know the ancestors of over 90% of Blackledges in America come from three major lines, all with Anglo-Saxon connections. We are comparing data to validate the American relationships and hopefully establish the English connections. Blackledge family Prehistory (BETA)  R1b-U152-Z56 Blackledge Family Our story in England begins when YDNA R-FGC48672 splits into 3 lineages; supposedly the common ancestor is estimated to have lived in 750 BCE.  ~R-FGC48672 (Uncategorized) is from a Bavarian American Family that immigrated to 19th Century Iowa. ~R-FTC46410 and R-BY3965 are predominately from Anglo-Saxon families apparently from England (Except for Edward FitzRaldolph 1607-1684) (I would gladly dig into each of the 17th-18th Century families given permission. :) ) The Trouble with the 750 BCE split of R-FGC48672 lineage, is that YDNA R1B-U152-Z56 came to England in 3 waves; none of these options screams 750 BCE. But we have clues on how the R-FGC48672 family made it's exodus to England. 😁 ~Belgae settled in Southern England in the 1st Century BCE ~Roman Auxiliaries  ~ Normans (R-FGC48672 is a predominate Anglo-Saxon lineage)   With these 3 options in mind, the R-FGC48672 family most likely was either ~ A man from Southern British Belgae; Merchant or Auxiliary whom immigrated to the Manchester/Lancashire area. ~ A man whom was recruited as an Auxiliary from the Alps; there was quite a bit a recruitment to Northern Britannia forts from the Norici and Reatians (Modern Austria, Switzerland and parts of Southern Germany) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I1-BY69981-BY64729 Blackledge Family It appears that the closest non-British relatives to this YDNA subclade is concentrated in Sweden.  Therefore, it is safe to say that our story in England begins when a band of Swedish Vikings settled in the Manchester/Lancashire area during the Viking Age.