Could my theory about a noble link actually seem plausible?

[MyComplicatedSurname]

I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to the history of the peerage, and I couldn't but notice a resemblance between my great-great-great-grandmother Emma Simmonds née Johnson and the 10th Earl of Pembroke. I have traced Emma's lineage back to her grandparents John Flitter and Mary Williams who married on 15 December 1799 in Wokingham, Berkshire. Now Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke had an illegitimate daughter Caroline Medkaff who married a man from Stanmore in London (as far as I can tell), John Williams in 1786. I'm not saying that my Mary Williams is definitely related - I know it's a VERY common last name. But there are odd coincidences. Stanmore and Wokingham are 30 miles apart on foot - not a massive amount to travel in the late 18th century. One of Emma Johnson's daughters was named Charlotte, after Emma's mother/Mary's daughter, and another one Caroline. Emma must have gotten that name from somewhere. This attached picture of Emma was taken when she was 55. Which strangely bares a fair likeness to a portrait of the earl in his 50s. Seeing as the connection is a few generations down (should the theory be true), it seems to be a reasonable resemblance. Plus a descent from the earl's daughter would explain a few things in regards to my family. Aunt Charlotte (the namesake) has remained a strong figure in my family's folklore, but for what reason? Maybe it's because she told the family who listened of how we are connected to the Pembrokes, and it's a case of the story-teller being remembered and the story being forgotten.

69909568_2457125287717924_3209106405730549760_n.jpg (31.47 KiB) Viewed 1774 times

[Rob]

That's an interesting story MycomplicatedSurname . I wish i could find a Peerage in my Tree but alas i'm from a long long line of Farm Labourers,Nailers and Coal Miners oh and a few Criminals . I wish you luck in your search.

[grangers14]

Good luck in your search...
I would not take a photo and a painting to see a resemblance mind
Best to stick what you can find.
If it is possible perhaps Bastardy bonds? (I do not like that word but...?)