After thirty years of research for myself and others (perhaps at this stage it should be termed an obsession) I look forward to sharing some of my findings with visitors to the Genealogy World web site.

In these pages you will be able to access hidden treasures of Natal local and family history, especially, but not limited to, those pertaining to a maritime theme - passenger lists, immigration, ships, shipwrecks, the history of the port and associated personalities.

I was extremely fortunate in having had two major influences in my life: firstly, a mother (maiden name HAMILTON) who encouraged my interest in family history from an early age and who was always able to answer my most frequently-asked question: " What relation is HE/SHE to me?". And secondly, an opportunity to work with Daphne Strutt, then curator of the Local History Museum (now the Old Court House Museum) Durban, a superlative mentor who imparted to me her knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, Natal colonial history.

The fact that I had what I naively considered to be an unusual surname - GADSDEN - later prompted its pursuit on a worldwide basis and has led to rich discoveries going back to the mediaeval era. The legacy of my paternal great great grandfather William BELL, who was Port Captain of Natal, has been an abiding fascination with all things maritime, and particularly the saga of immigration to this colony.

I don't consider myself an expert on anything - like all family historians, I'm a seeker after truth. If these pages help anyone else further along that road, the credit belongs to my ancestors.

© RDS 2004