Sue Johnston | Season 1 Episode 3 | Full Episode | Who Do You Think You Are

Описание: Actress Sue Johnston reveals the story of British Railways while exploring themes of class, education and social mobility. Her family history focuses on her great-grandfather, James Cowan, and grandfather, Alfred, whose lives reflect the social mobility of the Industrial Revolution, particularly through their connection to the railways.

James Cowan (b. 1825) embodies an archetypal rags-to-riches story. He moved from the slums of Carlisle and began working on the railways around 1849, eventually rising from porter to assistant platform attendant at Carlisle Citadel station over 25 years. Though family legend claimed he became station manager, records show he resigned after 25 years, perhaps realizing he would never get the top job. Despite this, his economic status improved dramatically. He moved out of a "Dickensian" slum, remarried, and by 1871 was established enough to afford a townhouse and a domestic servant. Upon leaving the railways, he successfully entered the hotel business, becoming a hotel-keeper employing seven servants by 1881. By 1909, he was described as a 'gentleman,' evidence of his self-made success.

James afforded his son, Alfred (b. 1885), a private education, intending him for a respectable white-collar career. However, Alfred rebelled against his father's expectations, quitting his job as a shipbroker's clerk to work on the railways as a trainee fireman—the very industry his father had struggled to escape. This decision, and Alfred's marriage to the daughter of a platelayer, likely caused significant family conflict. The story of James and Alfred provides a fascinating look at the Victorian railway boom and the resulting increase in social mobility that helped shape modern British society.

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Who Do You Think You Are - Season 1 Episode 3 - Sue Johnston

This inspiring and informative reality series takes viewers on a personal journey into the pasts of well-known celebrities, sharing their emotion and surprise as they uncover the stories that lie at the heart of their family histories. The show's first season features actress Meera Syal, television host Jeremy Clarkson, wildlife expert Bill Oddie, journalist Moira Stuart, magazine editor Ian Hislop, comedian Vic Reeves, comedian David Baddiel, singer Lesley Garrett, actress Sue Johnston and actress Amanda Redman. In each episode, one of Britain's best-loved celebrities traces their family tree to reveal the surprising, extraordinary and often moving stories of their ancestors.

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00:00 Introduction
01:01 Sue's Identity and Grandfather Alf
03:12 The Flying Scotsman Myth
05:35 Up Close with the Flying Scotsman
08:20 Dispelling the Railway Myth
10:50 Meeting Retired Railwaymen
14:13 Alf's Union Records and Early Life
17:38 The Family Rift and Alf's First Job
19:54 Sue's Parallel Journey
23:02 Alf's Marriage and Class Divisions
25:11 Workington and the Station Hotel
29:49 The Grand Globe Hotel
33:22 James Cowan's Early Career
41:16 Tragedy in James's First Family
49:53 James's Social Ascent and Legacy