I have been researching my family histiry for about 5 years...with a bit of a gap, i am now returning to it. With the help of the Sussex names website I have BROOKER information going back to the 1700's for ( although i need to verify some of this). The Brooker name in the UK started and is still predominant in Sussex and Kent.I come from a railway family. 5 generations of Engine drivers who moved from Farming near East Grinstead, down to Brighton, and in early 1900's up to London, Camden Town, close to Euston & St Pancras stations.
My mother's maiden name was Brooker, her mother's name was STELLABRASS ( as this is an unusual name, it is often mis-spelled as Stallabrass/Stallybrass) . The predominance of this name is Cambridge/ Essex & Hertford.My grandmother was born at Meldreth, and her father was a Horse Keeper.A link with the railways here as horses were an integral part of keeping the railways running, shifting goods and passengers.
My third line of research is my father's Paternal line- HATCH. I haven't got far with this yet...although I have seen the Hatch family website in U.S.
My father's maternel line is ANDREWS...which is a more common name and will be more difficult i think. There is talk in the family of indiscreet links to George 1v.( along with half the population!)Also connections with the British in India...a lot of work to do there !!
Any connections with any of these names most welcome.