A WOMAN from Dorset has returned to York to trace her family tree.

On a previous visit to the city, Shirley Somerton, nee Breary, had discovered that her ancestor, William Breary, was a major figure in York and rose to be Sheriff and then Lord Mayor first in 1611 and then again in 1622.

His son, Christopher Breary, also a merchant, followed him as Lord Mayor in 1659. They were both also Governors of the York Company of Merchant Adventurers in Fossgate.

On her latest visit to York, surprise arrangements had been made for Shirley and her husband, John, to visit the Mansion House and be welcomed by the Lord Mayor, Coun Sue Galloway.

There the Lord Mayor showed Shirley and John the Roll of Lord Mayors on which the Breary ancestors are clearly recorded and then the actual Lord Mayor’s gold chain of office of the late 1500s, which would have been worn by Shirley’s ancestors almost 400 years ago.

The chain is so valuable that it is kept in a special display case at the Mansion House and is only worn for Royal visits – the Lord Mayor otherwise wearing a reproduction for her everyday official duties.

Shirley said: “I really felt that I was within touching distance of both William and Christopher Breary. It was almost like they had just left the room.”