The Rothwell, Rathwell and Radwell surnames appear historically associated with Ireland & Great Britain and now are World wide. The Rothwell, Rathwell, Radwell Surname Project objectives are to: A) Identify and categorize various, distinct Paternal lines of the Rothwell Genetic Tree. B) Help Rothwell Project participants determine which distinct lineage they belong. C) Determine to what extent various Irish & Great Britain and World wide lines are genetically related. D) Determine where the specific Ireland and Great Britain Rothwell/Rathwell lines originated. To join the Rothwell, Rathwell, Radwell Surname group WITHOUT an existing Family Tree DNA test, please read the following recommendations: 1) Males with the Rothwell/Rathwell surname--please sign up for the FamilyTreeDNA YDNA-37 test and if possible also the Autosomal test referred to as Family Finder. The Y DNA 37 test will give a fairly definitive proof of relationship with others with the Rothwell and Various other surnames presently in the Rothwell Project. Since the Y DNA testing has evolved over the past few years, there are several new options available such as the Big 700 test, which help further the Rothwell Genetic Tree research and link up distant family lines world wide and sorts closer related lines regionally. It is very easy to upgrade at a later date to a higher Y DNA test level if needed . The Family Finder test will help match with Males and Female cousins to help firm up the closer relationships within a family lineage. 2) Females who have Rothwell or Rathwell surnames in their ancestral pedigree have two choices. If possible have a male Rothwell/Rathwell in your close family line take the YDNA test as mentioned above. Those who have a Rothwell Ancestor may wish to participate themselves, through the FamilyTreeDNA Automsonal DNA test Family Finder test. While results will not be as definitive as the Y DNA, the Cousins Matching List may be helpful in determining whether you are related to the various Rothwell Rathwell and other surnames that are closely related and associated Families. 3) Males with a non Rothwell or Rathwell surname yet believe that there is a possibility that their ancestors Surname may have been at one time in the past or has a modern day change in spelling can take the Y DNA test to see if they link into the Rothwell Rathwell Y DNA Haplogroup members in the Gentic tree. Again it is recommend to start with the Y DNA 37 test. Once the first set of results are in - it is very easy to sign in and request an upgrade for your test to a higher level at a later date. Email me if you have any questions. RothwellProject@yahoo.com Look forward to helping , Shirley Monkhouse