More than half of Brits have only discovered an interesting fact or story about a relative after they have passed away – and a quarter regret not asking sooner, a study has found. The top discoveries people have made about a late relative include tales of their wartime experiences (29 per cent), their childhood (28 per cent), and where they travelled (23 per cent).
And such revelations have left them feeling intrigued (32 per cent), shocked (26 per cent), and proud (25 per cent) – with almost half (45 per cent) saying they felt closer to their family member, according to the poll of 2,000 adults. But 51 per cent say they have been left with more unanswered questions – and a quarter of those polled regret not speaking to their relatives sooner, about their wartime stories, in particular.
These tales have been uncovered through speaking to others who knew relatives when they were younger (49 per cent), and discussions with the wider family (45 per cent). The research, commissioned by Ancestry.co.uk, found 43 per cent discovered a revelation when clearing out their relative’s home.
