'Gene' Study into the surname Blackstone and variants is being proposed by Mr. Chris Atkinson of 28 Library Rd., Parkstone, Poole, Dorset. BH12 2BE, UK.  

Email Address: christopher.atkinson700@ntlworld.com

More info at:  http://homepage.ntlworld.com/christopher.atkinson700/docs/index.htm 

Objectives include:

1) Identification of others who are related and possibly degree of kinship.

2) Proving or disproving theories regarding ancestors.

3) Solving brick walls in research.

4) Determining  locations for further research.

5) Validation of existing research.'

This will be dependent on looking at the 'Y' chromosome as passed on from father to son and hence with the surname. Therefore, men with the surname, who would be willing to take part are being sought.

Some background on the origins of the surname in England:

His researches show a number of family groupings. He is yet to determine whether they have separate origins. Two large families with the Surname are those of Yorkshire and Durham. The Durham family being very well documented with a number of Baronetcies etc. This family is traceable to the 1200's. The Yorkshire group seem to be of about 4 families. The earliest and largest traceable to the early 1500's. Yet there are Yorkshire records in the 1300/1400's. The Yorkshire and Durham families spread far and wide.

Many of those in London, Huntingdonshire, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire have origins in these two regions.

There is a Lancashire family traceable to the 1500's.

A few Blaxton's can be found in Lincolnshire in the 1500/1600 & 1700's. to whom can be attributed the Rev William Blacckstone.

 In Cornwall/Devon in the same time period where a family of Blackstones, sometimes known as Blackingstone. His conjecture is that this family have no links with the Northern Families. A family of Blackstones lived in Kent from the 1800's they had roots in the West Country and hence probably Devon.

There was also the Hampshire family of Sir William Blackstone Judge. This family may originally have been Braxtones from Beaulieu.

It is the Gene studies that I hope will throw light on some of the above.

Variants include: de Blaykeston, Blackston, Blackeston, Blackiston,Blackstone, Blakston, Blakeston, Blakestone, Blakiston, Blaxton & Blayston.

For further information on the study please contact Mr. Atkinson at the above.