The King's Life Guard
Summary
Host Lloyd Lockridge investigates Mike Hinman’s 375-year-old family lore that his ancestor, Edward Hinman, served as a bodyguard for King Charles I before fleeing to America. With help from UK researcher Sarah Pettifer, they trace the lineage to Yorkshire, discovering Edward was the son of John Inman, a Royalist fined for opposing Parliament. The research confirms Edward likely joined the King’s Lifeguard cavalry and escaped persecution, validating the oral history despite the family crest belonging to a cousin who fought for Cromwell.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the episode and guest
Mike's background and lack of family history
Mike's early genealogy research and dead ends
Discovery of the 1850 family record book
The legend of Edward Hinman and King Charles I
Mike's frustration and desire to verify the story
Historical context of the English Civil War
Researching the Inman coat of arms and heraldry
Investigating the King's Lifeguard records
Contradictions regarding Michael Inman's allegiance
Finding records of John Inman and his fines
Live discussion with Sarah on initial findings
Tracing the Inman family in Yorkshire archives
Analyzing the Nitterdale book and family conflicts
John Inman's debt and the mystery of Edward
The marginal note: Edward went to America
Reconstructing the true family history
Reflections on oral history and family lore
The execution of Charles I and the word 'Remember'
Show credits and call to action
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