My genealogy interests began in 1997 when I inherited some antique portraits which came with related family myths. My father tasked me to prove or disprove them. The portraits were of individuals from three different Lemon family branches originally from Cornwall and Dorset – lineages with very different professions, fortunes and titles. The myth was that the families were connected - something our own family had believed down several generations. Three relevant family trees compiled by my father had still not demonstrated a link. He had by then given up on ‘the quest’.

 

But there was a clue my father had not yet pursued – the meaning behind one small family heirloom, a precious jewel of diamonds. It was impressive but bore no inscription. Around it was wrapped a simple two-line note which referenced one William George Lemon, BA, FGS, LLB, JP (1830-1897), a “grand master”  freemason. I call him “WGL” or “William George”. Unfortunately, at that time, there was no portrait of WGL.

 

I had a hunch that William George would be key in any quest to link up three West Country family branches. Initial research into dates suggested WGL’s life spanned the reign of Queen Victoria. He was born not far from Kensington Palace (where Victoria was born) and he was at school close to Buckingham Palace when she moved in as monarch.

 

Because WGL lived and worked at the very heart of the British Empire at its peak, this story may hopefully entertain readers interested in Victorian London, as well as Lemon cousins and relations.