Based on my research over the last several years, which includes
DNA analysis and historical readings, indications are that Anthony Hoskins’ family lived in the
Beaminster, Dorset area prior to their American migration in the early 1600’s. Although related Hoskins families lived in the area for over a hundred years, Anthony's family had only migrated to Dorset during the last several generations.
Prior to living in Dorset, the family lived in the border area between England and Wales. More specifically, they lived in the Southwestern part of Herefordshire. This area was called Ergyng and became an English administrative cantref sometime before the Norman Conquest.
Ergyng became a wasteland during the dislocation caused by the Norman invasion. The Normans then filled this void under the leadership of William FitzOsbern. It is my speculation that during this time, Anthony Hoskins’ direct line male ancestor arrived in the Monmouthshire/Herefordshire area within the Welsh Marches as a part of this Norman influx.
This theory is supported by Anthony Hoskins’ Y-DNA being classified as a member of the I1 Haplogroup. According to current scientific understanding, this haplogroup did not originate in the British Isles, but rather in southern Denmark around 6000 years ago. In addition, Anthony’s specific haplotype was still located in that area around 500 AD based on close matches found in Denmark during modern times. Therefore, this match indicates that Anthony Hoskins' male ancestor was still living on the Jutland peninsula around 500 AD.
The best explanation for the facts above is a direct line male ancestor migrating from Southern Denmark as a part of the Viking incursions into Normandy, which were started by Rollo in 885 AD. After residing in Normandy for several generations, an ancestor migrated from Normandy into the Welsh Marches mentioned above.
Obviously, written genealogical documentation concerning the majority of this theory does not exist. However, in the last ten years, DNA research has provided a tool that was not previously available to historians or family researchers. This tool allows deeper insight into family histories than could have been imagined until only recently. As more information and discoveries about the migration of Y-DNA through Europe are made, the probability of this theory will either decrease or increase. This site will monitor new developments and will post these discoveries along with modifications to this theory.
