Hawthornes of Portadown

[LindeL]

I'm researching Denys Hawthorne, the actor, to write a biography in the Dictionary of Irish Biography, and I'm having some trouble getting family background. Does anyone know if the family was from Portadown, or from elsewhere? and what about siblings?

[aghadowey]

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0370410/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bth_nm

[ShaunJ]

Most of the online obituaries and biogs say that his family was in the linen business in Portadown:

http://guide.doctorwhonews.net/person.php?code=3118

http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2009/nov/01/denys-hawthorne-obituary

I am wondering if there is a connection to Victor Hawthorne http://www.portadownphotos.co.uk/rota%2036-54.htm

[LindeL]

thanks to Shaun and Aghadowey for replies. I too wonder about Victor Hawthorne as Denys's father; the most likely name I've turned up so far. But otherwise a bit of a dearth of facts! I'll keep searching; something will turn up!

[aljepeka]

Hi,

As it is within living memory accurate family records will be harder to access online.  Try contacting the local newspaper , they have numerous contacts who could verify your information plus several journalists who specialise in this area.   http://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/contact-us   Or as listed in a previous post the site Portadown photos as I am sure Jim , the man responsible for the site will know.

Regards,
Barbara

[LindeL]

Thanks Barbara; yes, online records aren't so helpful. It's one of the difficulties of researching the not-yet-historical lives that the Dictionary of Irish Biography is producing nowadays. I am hoping that the various Portadown sites will help.
Thanks for your assistance
L