Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Ashley Judd

Celebrities trace their roots. Film star Ashley Judd investigates her father's side of the family, and investigates whether there is any truth behind two old family stories.

Film star Ashley Judd can go back eight generations on her mother's side, but her father's ancestry is more of a mystery. Ashley sets out to find out if there is any truth to two family stories - first, that her great-great grandfather Elijah Hensely spent time in an infamous Confederate prison during the Civil War; and secondly, that the family has deep New England roots.

Ashley uncovers Elijah's service record from the Civil War and discovers not only that he was imprisoned - twice - but that he was badly wounded at Saltville and had to have his leg amputated on the battlefield. She then travels to Massachusetts, where she discovers a connection to the ultimate American story - the Mayflower.

Finally, Ashley travels through England - to York, Cambridge and the original Boston in Lincolnshire - as she tracks the dramatic story of her ancestor William Brewster, who was persecuted for his religious beliefs before seeking religious freedom in the New World.

30 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Participant Ashley Judd
Executive Producer Alex Graham

Broadcasts