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Thank you very much to everyone for your help.
 
Martin

Whilst triangular cutwaters are relatively common, where economy of material was important they rarely extend in height above peak flood level, sometimes no more than just above normal river level.

In this case the triangular shape extends all the way to parapet level, far beyond the point where they are likely to have any water cutting benefit. The function, if any, at that point becomes butressing the spandrel wall (the inverted triangular shaped wall between the arches), or simply as an ornamental feature.

The bridge at Geddington, Northamptonshire has cutwaters on the upstream side that extent to parapet level where they form a refuge for pedestrians from vehicles on the narrow roadway. http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2438011

Does that affect the argument and the proportions. Please explain in more depth if possible.

If anything it strengthens the argument that autosomal DNA is of little use to determine your ancestral line beyond a couple of generations.

It certainly affects the proportions of DNA that you inherit - those from generations before your parents are indeterminable. Here's a little illustration - take a pack of cards, separate the suits and discard the aces - the twelves spades represent your paternal grandfather's DNA, hearts your paternal grandmother's, etc. Deal six spades and six hearts to your father, then six clubs and six diamonds to your mother. Now shuffle your father's cards and deal six to yourself, likewise with your mother's cards. Now look at your cards - it's unlikely that you'll have exactly three cards (25%) from each suit (grandparent).

Thank you very much, Sandy

Martin

That was exactly the problem I faced. When the British Library Nineteenth Century newspapers became searchable online, it only took a couple of hours to find reports on three trials. Despite a name (David White) that's not uncommon, combining it with his occupation and home town filtered the search results to a managable number.

If you give some details of your ancestor, someone here might be able to find him.

Martin