This was sent on March 26…

…but I thought I’d run it anyway, just because I’ve actually been to St. Margaret Clitherow’s house (which is right around the corner from Yorkminster):

Happy Saint Margaret Clitherow day.

This saint, known as “the Pearl of York”, was an English Catholic wife, mother, and martyr. She “was a daughter of Thomas Middleton, Sheriff of York (1564-5),” and married John Clitherow in 1571. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Saint Margaret was arrested for the crime of harboring Catholic priests, and was put to death in 1586. (1)

I wonder if you or any of your other readers have, like me, been curious about the possibility of a family connection between Saint Margaret Clitherow (née Middleton) and Kate Middleton, the soon-to-be bride of Prince William of Wales (“Lady Di’s” oldest son). I have searched on the internet, but have not found any link so far.

Which doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t one. Not only the names, but the geographic ranges of the respective families, appear to match rather closely. I don’t find much information about Kate Middleton’s ancestors prior to the early 19th century; the earliest Middleton ancestor of hers whose birthplace I find documented is “William Middleton, solicitor, b. Wakefield, Yorkshire, 22 Sept. 1807” (2). Wakefield appears to be approximately 25 miles from the City of York, birthplace of Saint Margaret.
It would appear then, that the two families – if they are indeed two distinct families – have lived in the same general area of Yorkshire, England, for many, many years.

I wonder whether you or any of your other friends or readers may have more information?

Is there a genealogist in the house?