A FAMILY'S transatlantic journey has brought them home to their ancestral roots.
Around 30 members of the Bolling Family Association, who travelled from across the United States, visited Bolling Hall in Bradford this August as part of their 2026 Heritage Tour of England.
The hall, now a museum, was once the home of the Bolling family and is associated with the family; Robert Bolling, born in London in 1646, travelled to Virginia in 1660 and later became a merchant and landowner.
Dr Lauren Padgett, curator for Bradford District Museums and Galleries, said: "Bolling Hall has always had a special place in my heart.
"I grew up just up the road, so this was my local museum and somewhere I came to regularly to learn about its history and the stories attached to it.
"It’s a real honour that, as a curator, I’m now able to share those stories and that history with other visitors."
The visit was part of of the 2026 Heritage Tour of England (Image: Supplied)
The group enjoyed a guided tour of the hall and a talk by Dr Padgett, who explored the history of the Bolling family and their transatlantic connections, including Robert Bolling’s marriage to Jane Rolfe, granddaughter of Pocahontas and John Rolfe.
Mara Evans, vice president of the Bolling Family Association, said: "Thank you for inviting us back into our ancestral home.
"It’s always such a pleasure to be here, and you have done an enormous amount to preserve the history of Bolling Hall and make us feel so welcome.
"It means a great deal to the family to be able to come back and connect with this part of our history."
The group enjoyed a guided tour of the hall and a talk by Dr Padgett (Image: Supplied)
The group was welcomed by visitor assistant Joyce Ho and also visited Bradford Cathedral, which holds further historical links to the family, including the former Bolling Chapel and family memorials.
This was the first organised visit by the association in more than 17 years, although some members have visited independently during that time.
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "Bolling Hall is an important part of Bradford’s heritage, with a remarkable history and connections that extend well beyond the district.
"The Bolling Family Association’s visit demonstrates how that history continues to connect people with Bradford today."
The group was welcomed by visitor assistant Joyce Ho and also visited Bradford Cathedral (Image: Supplied)
The association, which supports genealogical research and family history, also made a donation to Bolling Hall in recognition of the museum and its work preserving and sharing the building’s history.