0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:04- Wales.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- For thousands of years, - people have come here...
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- ..in search of a better life.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- From the Ice Age - to the digital age...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- ..wave after wave of immigrants...
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- ..have settled here.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- Their genetic markers can - still be traced in our bodies today.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- DNA research unlocks the - genetic secrets of our ancestors.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- A new channel to the past - has been opened...
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- ..revealing sensational information - about our history.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- DNA Cymru has discovered that a high - percentage of today's population...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- ..are the descendants - of brave warriors...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- ..alluded to in our national anthem.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- The nation's - ancient chieftains and princes.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- But who exactly were they?
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- The research - has also uncovered a strange story.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- The story of a brave warrior - who fought for his fathers' land...
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- ..on the playing fields.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- And a man who, thus far...
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- ..knows nothing at all - about his royal Welsh roots.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- For the first time ever, - genetics unlocks the secrets...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..of powerful men - who shaped the nation.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- There's a new way - of relating our story.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- And its name is DNA.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- DNA Cymru.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- The year is 410 AD.
0:01:45 > 0:01:51- The empire controlling Britain - for close to four centuries...
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- ..is about to fall.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- As the attacks intensify...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..Rome severs ties with Britain.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- In Wales, amid all the anarchy...
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- ..new leaders come to the fore.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- Accomplished soldiers who create - new territories across the country.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- It's a turbulent period.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- They must fight against - the Irish, Saxons, Vikings...
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- ..as well as amongst themselves - to establish order.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- Some individuals succeed.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- They establish royal lineages...
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- ..which reign - in the new Welsh kingdoms...
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- ..namely Gwynedd, - Powys and Deheubarth.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- It was these kings - and their descendants...
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- ..who ruled Wales for centuries.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- It's their extended family, - the nobility...
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- ..who are the nation's leaders.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- From the Tudor Age - to the Victorian Age...
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- ..their descendants - inherited status and influence.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- Their estates - and opulent mansions...
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- ..were central - to each county's social life.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- However, in modern Wales...
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- ..that order and memories of the - ancient nobility have disappeared.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- The situation - is different in Scotland...
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- ..where the ancient order - still exists.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46- Over the centuries, the clans - have played a central role...
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- ..in the way - this nation has developed...
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- ..and maintained its identity.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- The clans evolved - during the 11th century...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..when Scotland itself - was becoming a unified country.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- Strong leaders came to power - to defend their communities.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- It was a good reason for people to - be faithful to the clans' chiefs.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- Nowadays, - the Scots love nothing more...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- ..than clothing themselves - in the splendour of the past.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- The romance of the clans - is alive and well.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- This was true - of the Welsh at one time.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- From the age of the princes - to the Middle Ages...
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- ..people were conscious of history - and of noble lineages.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- The Welsh clans, as it were.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- These days, however, - that way of life and culture...
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- ..has long gone...
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- ..but DNA Cymru's results suggest...
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- ..that their influence continues.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Having tested more than 1,000 people - over the past year...
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- ..a strange pattern of results - has emerged.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- Some genetic markers - stand out as common traits.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- They denote unique sub-branches - in the Y chromosome family tree.
0:05:08 > 0:05:14- Branches that have become very - fertile in Wales, for some reason.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- Similar branches have been - discovered in Scotland's population.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- The markers associated - with the branches here...
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- ..are called clan markers.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- The men who carry them are - descendants to prominent leaders.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- I'm on my way - to meet Dr Jim Wilson...
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- ..who's studied the clans' genetics.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- We looked to see whether people...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- ..with a clan surname were related.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- Many people across the world - have been engaged in this research.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- For various clans, - in particular MacGregor...
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- ..and the Royal House of Stuart...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..a very large number of people - with these surnames...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- ..were actually a genetic family.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- They all descended from one man.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- They formed a genetic cluster - of closely-related Y chromosomes...
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- ..that descended - from a patriarch from one ancestor.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- Genetic clusters have - also been discovered in Ireland too.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- Many males there - are descendants of early chieftains.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- The question for us is, has - the same thing happened in Wales?
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- We were amazed. It was even more - extreme than Scotland and Ireland.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- We found quite a number of these...
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- ..perhaps up to 20 of these clusters - of Y chromosomes...
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- ..that are very closely related.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- The genetic data strongly suggests - that Wales's leaders...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- ..had a large number of descendants.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- By studying - the Y chromosome patterns...
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- ..research has led to - an unusual conclusion.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- We've analysed - 10 clusters in detail...
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- ..including sequencing - the Y chromosome...
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- ..to try to get - an estimate of the age.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- We estimate that 10 men...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- ..who were born - 1,000-2,000 years ago...
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- ..probably 1,500 years ago...
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- ..are the direct male-line ancestors - of 18% of all Welshmen today.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- That's over 200,000 men in Wales...
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- ..and nearly 500,000 men - all around the world.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- It's a striking statistic.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- The fact that so many men - belong to the genetic clusters...
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- ..suggests that Wales's - early leaders shaped society...
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- ..in a way - that no-one had suspected before.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- They certainly outbred their peers.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- Probably they were noblemen...
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- ..chieftains and kings.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- If this prominence is inherited, - the ability to have more sons...
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- ..is inherited down the male line.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- It's a perfect situation for that - Y chromosome to become prominent.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- During the launch of DNA Cymru - last September...
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- ..Dafydd Iwan was first to hear of - his connection with a Welsh leader.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- This marker is called R1b-S300.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- This marker is called R1b-S300.- - Dafydd's sub-haplogroup...
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- ..is more common in Wales - than elsewhere.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- It's called Ancient Welsh.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- Look at that in the world. Wales - is the only location on that map.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- At the time, there was some - leg pulling about a possible link...
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- ..to King Arthur.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- You belong to Arthur.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- My brother Arthur?
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Throughout history, - people have boasted...
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- ..that they are - descendants of King Arthur.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- It's impossible to identify - the DNA of a legendary king...
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- ..but how plausible - is any suggestion...
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- ..that connects - the genes of people today...
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- ..with the bloodline - of historical princes?
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- For an independent opinion...
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- ..we visited one of the world's - main centres of genetic research.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- The Sanger Institute near Cambridge.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- By studying the DNA of men - across Europe and Asia...
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- ..Professor Chris Tyler-Smith - saw a pattern...
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- ..that no-one had noticed before.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- We discovered this cluster - entirely by chance.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- We were not looking for it.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- We were simply - carrying out a survey...
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- ..of the Y chromosomal genetic - landscape across Europe and Asia.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- We noticed that there was - one Y chromosome type...
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- ..or a set of closely-related - Y chromosome types...
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- ..that were very frequent.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- The cluster could be seen across a - vast area of the earth's surface...
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- ..from the Pacific Ocean in the east - to the Caspian Sea in Russia.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- Information in the data suggested a - source in Mongolia 1,000 years ago.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- When a geneticist sees a rapid - expansion in numbers of this kind...
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- ..they always think - of two possible explanations.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- One is natural selection...
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- ..that that lineage has - a particular biological advantage.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29- But in this case of the Y - chromosome, that is very unlikely.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- We don't think - that's a plausible explanation.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- The alternative is that - there's some social advantage.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- In simple terms, social advantage - means that one man...
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- ..has fathered many children - with different women.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- Since so many men these days...
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- ..carry the same genetic markers - centuries later...
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- ..social advantage must - have lasted over many generations.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- From the cluster in Mongolia, - the historical data...
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- ..referred to one prominent man.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- The most likely explanation...
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- ..was that it was linked - to the exploits of Genghis Khan.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- Chris Tyler-Smith's research...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..suggests that - as many as 20 million men...
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- ..are descendants - of Asia's renowned warrior.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- There are fewer clusters in Wales...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- ..but DNA Cymru's results...
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- ..have revealed an unusual pattern.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- There are - a couple of remarkable things.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- One is the number of clusters - that show up...
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- ..and the second - is how much of the population...
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- ..is included in these clusters...
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- ..which seems to be - higher in the Welsh data...
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- ..than in other data sets - that I've seen.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- This new information - surprises Professor Tyler-Smith.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- It does surprise me because - we had no prior evidence of it...
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- ..but as a geneticist, - I'm prepared to be surprised...
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- ..when I look at genetic data.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- The genetic data has surprised - people back in Wales too.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11- Very interesting.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- Who we are now is important but it's - important we know our history too.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- According to our DNA...
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- ..prominent men - 1,000-2,000 years ago...
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- ..fathered many grandsons - and great-grandsons.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- Those sons went on - to father numerous children too.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- By carefully analysing the data - that DNA Cymru has collated...
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- ..from hundreds - of individual tests on men today...
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- ..genetic clusters are obvious.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- There are technical titles - to denote the clusters...
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- ..but as yet, no-one has discovered - the name of a chieftain or prince...
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- ..responsible - for any of the lineages.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- There may be clues - in the data gathered...
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- ..from researching family trees.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05- In Llanybydder, Jim Williams - belongs to the cluster R1b-S300...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- ..the same cluster as Dafydd Iwan.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- I've spent most my life - in the parish of Llanybydder...
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- ..apart from - a short spell in Cardiff.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- I've been happy living here.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- My father's family - hails from Rhydcymerau...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..and the parish of Llansawel.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- We go back years and years.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- Jim's lucky that he's related - to a famous literary writer...
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- ..who's mentioned the family's - history in one of his books.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Author DJ Williams' father and my - grandfather's father were brothers.
0:13:40 > 0:13:46- In his book, Hen Dy Ffarm, he claims - the family goes back centuries.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- "My grandfather, Jac Penrhiw...
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- "..was the last of the Llywele - family to leave the old place...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- "..that was once steeped in history.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- "In line with family tradition, - he was the 16th generation...
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- "..to be born and raised - in Llywele."
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- The family had lived in Llywele - as far back as the 15th century.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- Llywele was one of - the Rhydodyn Estate's main farms.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- The family who lived there - were Williams too.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- They were - close-knit families over the years.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- The members - of the Williams family, Rhydodyn...
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- ..claimed they were - descendants of Hywel Dda.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- If there was a family connection - between Llywele and Rhydodyn...
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- ..the genetic marker R1b-S300...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- ..may belong to the bloodline of - one of Wales's most renowned kings.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- This is a tenuous possibility...
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- ..but boasting about - royal ancestry...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..could come in handy - at the local pub.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- I wouldn't have to ask for a pint, - there'd be one waiting for me!
0:14:56 > 0:14:56- .
0:14:57 > 0:14:57- Subtitles
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- DNA Cymru has found that - approximately 20% of Welshmen...
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- ..are the descendants - of prominent leaders in our history.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- Nearly 200,000 of today's men...
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- ..belong to 10 - of the ancient nobility.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Across the world there are - thousands more Welsh exiles...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- ..who carry - the same genetic markers.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- The markers - manifest in the Y chromosome...
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- ..a part of our DNA that is - transferred, relatively unchanged...
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- ..from father to son and on - to grandsons and great-grandsons.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- The markers we see - in every cluster of DNA today...
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- ..stem from one man - in our relatively recent history.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- A powerful man who was the great- - great-grandfather of every cluster.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- Quite possibly a prince or king - who lived in Wales...
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- ..no more than 2,000 years ago.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- We're fortunate that some - of the earliest Welsh genealogies...
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- ..stretch as far back in time.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- We may discover information...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..about the founders - of prominent families...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..who might be responsible - for the genetic clusters.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- It's obvious from what I've seen...
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- ..that researching family trees - can become an obsession.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- But I can't believe - that anyone is more obsessed...
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- ..than the author of these books.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- Peter Bartram - was an Englishman from London.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47- After studying mathematics, - he developed an interest...
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- ..in ancient Welsh manuscripts.
0:16:50 > 0:16:56- When he read about the noble - families of the Middle Ages...
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- ..he decided he was going to - document their genealogy.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- He began the work in 1929...
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- ..and finished in 1983.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- This is the fruit of his labour - over the best part of 50 years.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- If you're searching - for baby names...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- ..look no further than this!
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Take this, for example.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- Ieuan Gethin ap Huw ap Ieuan Dwpa.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- The twppest of them all!
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- And then Jencyn Hir...
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- ..ap Gruffudd...
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- ..is that Bois?
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- I'm sure it's pronounced the - French way, from Norman influence...
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- ..ap Richard.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- That's very posh!
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- But it's the royal genealogies - that are most interesting.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- It's striking to see how different - families married each other...
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- ..and how power and status is - transferred through the generations.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- This is interesting - - the genealogy of Rhodri Fawr.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15- He fathered at least 10 children, - who are listed here.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Two centuries later...
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- ..we come to Gruffudd ap Cynan, - King of Gwynedd.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- By following the bloodline, - it's possible to see...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- ..how the prominent men - in our history are related.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- He was father to Owain Gwynedd...
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- ..and from tracing his lineage, - we come to Llywelyn Fawr...
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- ..and then, of course, - Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- It's like reading the Who's Who - of Wales during the Middle Ages!
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- To give you an idea - of Rhodri Fawr's vast lineage...
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- ..Bartram takes up - more than 130 pages...
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- ..to list the family's generations - and his descendants...
0:18:57 > 0:18:58- ..six centuries later.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- If he had that many descendants - in the 15th century...
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- ..can you imagine how many - of his descendants are alive now?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- There were other large families too.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- The families of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn - and Iestyn ap Gwrgan.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- Were these men responsible...
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- ..for the genetic clusters - we see in Wales nowadays?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- DNA tests have already named - the ancient chieftains...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- ..of Scotland and Ireland...
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- ..who are responsible for - the genetic clusters of some clans.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- Our focus now shifts to Wales...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..to try to identify - the DNA of prominent families...
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- ..who've won a place in our history.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- We've done a project - on the Royal House of Stuart...
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- ..so we became interested - in the Royal House of Tudor.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- In 1485, Henry Tudor - returned from overseas...
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- ..to challenge - the army of Richard III.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- He defeated Richard - at the Battle of Bosworth...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..and claimed the crown to found - Britain's most famous royal lineage.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- But before - rising to prominence in England...
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- ..the Tudors had been - important in Wales for centuries.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- To find a genetic link...
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- ..between the people of Wales today - and the Tudor lineage...
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- ..men with the surname Tudor - were invited to take a DNA test.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45- It was interesting to see - that the great majority of them...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- ..fell into three groups.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- There were three genetic - families within the Tudor name.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- The results highlight a particular - problem prevalent in Wales.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- Surnames don't always link people - with old lineages...
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- ..as they do - in England and Scotland.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- Surnames like Jones, Evans - and Williams are much younger...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- ..than other surnames - in the British Isles.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- They're not able - to mark a lineage...
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- ..over 700 or 800 years like - a surname in Scotland, like Stuart.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- The surname problem - makes it difficult...
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- ..to retrieve the Tudors' genealogy.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- But two other forms of research - may lead to answers.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- What it would be to find the remains - of these historical figures...
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- ..and do a direct test to see - what their Y chromosome type was.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- The second approach - is where you study...
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- ..modern volunteers - and try and link them...
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- ..through their known genealogy - back to a particular figure.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- By analysing the remains - of a prominent figure in history...
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- ..or by studying the DNA - of his descendants...
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- ..it's possible to confirm lineages - spanning many centuries.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Recently, these two techniques - were implemented...
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- ..to identify the remains of Henry - Tudor's arch enemy at Bosworth.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22- In 2012...
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- ..a skeleton was unearthed - from a car park in Leicester.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- It's believed these - were the remains of Richard III.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- The skeleton's spine was crooked and - the skull showed signs of trauma.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- The possibility - that they'd recovered...
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- ..one of England's most famous kings - warranted much attention.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- To be certain that these were - the remains of Richard III...
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- ..they had to use - the latest archaeological methods...
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- ..including DNA research - to identify the body.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- It's like a missing person's case.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- We know Richard III - was killed at Bosworth in 1485.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- He was aged 32 when he died.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- He was described as having - one shoulder higher than the other.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Forensic evidence - proved the man was in his 30s...
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- ..the same age as Richard.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- Radiocarbon tests - and isotopic data...
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- ..fit the circumstances - of his death.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- But to be completely certain, - they had to extract DNA...
0:23:38 > 0:23:42- ..to see - what the genetic patterns revealed.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- The DNA doesn't tell me who he is, - I need to compare it...
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- ..with a known relative - of Richard III.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54- Most of our DNA - is a complex combination...
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- ..though we inherit two parts that - have remained relatively unchanged.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- The DNA of the Y chromosome - and the mitochondrial DNA.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- It was the mitochondrial DNA - that was key in this instance.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- It's in the egg - someone - passes it down to children...
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- ..but only daughters can pass it on.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- If we had female-line relatives - of Richard III...
0:24:16 > 0:24:21- ..I'd check their mitochondrial DNA - to see if it matched the skeleton's.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- Researchers succeeded in finding two - descendants on the mother's line.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- Their mitochondrial DNA - carried the same markers...
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- ..as the mitochondrial DNA - of the bones.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- It therefore confirms - who was buried beneath the car park.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- If you bring all those strands - of evidence together as a case...
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- ..at its most conservative, - it's 99.999%...
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- ..that these are - the remains of Richard III.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- The evidence is overwhelming.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- Genealogical research, - along with genetic research...
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- ..could prove family ties - over many generations.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- But there are - no ancient bones in Wales...
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- ..to compare with - the DNA of the present population.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- Therefore, - can genealogical research alone...
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- ..reveal the names of chieftains - from DNA Cymru's clusters?
0:25:18 > 0:25:18- .
0:25:19 > 0:25:19- Subtitles
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:23 > 0:25:27- Richard III - lies dead at Bosworth Field.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- The last king of Britain - to lose his life on the battlefield.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- His body - is carried unceremoniously...
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- ..to an unmarked grave - in Leicester.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- He lies there for six centuries...
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- ..until the city's archaeologists - begin digging.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- They were comparing - the body's genetic markers...
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- ..with those of the king's - present-day relatives.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- DNA research - combined with genealogical DNA...
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- ..proved - these were Richard's remains.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- At its most conservative, - it's 99.999%.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- The evidence is really overwhelming.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14- DNA Cymru's searching for genetic - markers in the lineage of the man...
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- ..who defeated Richard.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- Henry Tudor was of Welsh extraction.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- We're checking to see - if it was the Tudors' lineage...
0:26:22 > 0:26:27- ..that's responsible for the genetic - clusters in today's population.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- It's rare - that anyone is given permission...
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- ..to conduct a DNA test on - Henry's body at Westminster Abbey.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40- Our tests on the DNA of men with - the surname Tudor are inconclusive.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- Genealogical evidence - is the only way forward.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- Genealogical research...
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- ..can lead us to Henry Tudor's - relatives who are alive today...
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- ..and who carry - the same genetic markers.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59- Ancient Welsh law dictated that - you knew to whom you were related.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- The nobility were eager - to document their genealogies.
0:27:03 > 0:27:09- The most influential among them - commissioned heralds at arms...
0:27:09 > 0:27:14- ..to design striking scrolls - to exhibit their lineages.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- It's surprising - how much effort was involved...
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- ..to create a good impression.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- Some scrolls - included the entire family tree.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- At Mostyn Hall is a scroll which - traces the history of mankind...
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- ..all the way back to Adam and Eve.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- The lineages - descend from Jewish forefathers.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39- Noah, Abraham and David, - all the way down to Jesus.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Britain's legendary history - is also documented.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- Everyone - wanted to belong to King Arthur.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- Then the lineages reach - what we would consider nowadays...
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- ..as real history.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00- After unravelling 40 feet - of history, we reach Edward IV.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- The Mostyn family's scroll - also shows...
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- ..another aspect - of the period's genealogy.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- The importance of symbols - to flaunt the family's status.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- Important lineages...
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- ..had their own coat of arms.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- This custom - of establishing status...
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- ..is another clue as we attempt - to trace ancient genealogies.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- And it continues to modern day.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- The families prided themselves - on their associations...
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- ..with ancient leaders of the past.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42- The signs can be seen nowadays - on the streets of London.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- Cadogan Square, - Elystan Place, Elystan Street.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- These names show the connection - between the noble Cadogans...
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- ..and the Welsh king, - Elystan Glodrydd.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- The Elystan coat of arms - featured a lion.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- That lion is now on the badge...
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- ..of one of the world's - most famous football clubs.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- The Metropolitan Borough of Chelsea - had a coat of arms...
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- ..based on - the Cadogan coat of arms...
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- ..with the staff - of the Abbot of Westminster.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18- The Cadogans had a big influence - on the early years of Chelsea FC...
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- ..as local landowners - and well-connected people.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- They brought influence, - our first shirt colour.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- The longest-lasting legacy...
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- ..was the badge - that everyone wears on their shirts.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- The symbol of one of Wales's princes - can now be seen...
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- ..in one of the wealthiest - football leagues in the world.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- Chelsea FC...
0:29:42 > 0:29:48- ..is one of the most recognisable - brands around the world.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- If you think back that this - has its roots in medieval Wales...
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- ..it's the most amazing thing.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59- So, when John Terry, - the former England captain...
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- ..scores for Chelsea - and kisses the badge...
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- ..he's kissing the symbol - of a Welsh king.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- People in the Middle Ages - took these things seriously.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- Strata Florida, Ceredigion.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- This was an academic centre - as well as a religious one.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- In abbeys like this...
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- ..the princes' genealogies - were recorded for the first time.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- Henry Tudor - took advantage of the tradition.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- The tradition of places - like Vale Crucis in North Wales.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- The abbey was founded - in the 13th century.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- Welsh scholars worked here...
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- ..copying ancient texts...
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- ..and studying many topics.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- In Henry Tudor's day, - one such scholar was Gittin Owen.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- Gittin was a poet, - a lexicographer and a genealogist.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05- He took his work seriously.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08- He was certainly a man of authority.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- He was very careful...
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- ..when correcting his work.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- He removed errors...
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- ..therefore, in my opinion...
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- ..we can rely - on Gittin Owen's work...
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- ..and his accounts of the past.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30- Gittin contributed to the work of - recording Henry Tudor's genealogy.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- It's likely the information gleaned - about the Tudors is accurate.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- The story leads us to Anglesey.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- Henry's grandfather, Owen Tudor, - was raised here...
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- ..at Plas Penmynydd.
0:31:48 > 0:31:53- Further back, the genealogy reaches - a 12th-century prominent leader...
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- ..called Ednyfed Fychan.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- This man's Y chromosome...
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- ..along with each of his descendants - on the male line...
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- ..should carry the same markers - as Henry Tudor's Y chromosome.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- We're trying to understand - which Y chromosome...
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- ..the Royal House of Tudor carried - - Henry VII and Henry VIII...
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- ..but they have - no known male-line descendants.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- We have to go back up the tree.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- Back we go along the bloodline...
0:32:23 > 0:32:27- ..to search for other men - related to Ednyfed Fychan.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- We've been able - to trace back down again...
0:32:30 > 0:32:35- ..on two independent lineages - all the way to the present day...
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- ..and recruit two - of Ednyfed Fychan's descendants.
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- Unfortunately, - the DNA of both men didn't match.
0:32:43 > 0:32:44- Why?
0:32:45 > 0:32:50- It's possible illegitimate children - appeared somewhere in the genealogy.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- Illegitimate children in Wales - were commonplace...
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- ..according to - one account from 200 years ago.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- When a girl - had an illegitimate child...
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- ..that child would - often be raised by the grandparents.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- It's little wonder, then...
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- ..that the genealogy didn't - always reflect the genetic truth.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- By conducting tests on the DNA - of those from the same lineage...
0:33:19 > 0:33:24- ..it should be possible to identify - one genetic marker that stands out.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- We need more data.
0:33:26 > 0:33:33- We need to recruit and find many, - many more known descendants...
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- ..of these ancient pedigrees.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- A large number per patriarch...
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- ..per ancestor...
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- ..so that we can look to see - for enrichment...
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- ..of Y-chromosome types - in that family.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- The people who are true descendants - will all share a type...
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- ..and the few who are not - will be noise in the analysis.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- Among the noise of the Machynlleth - carnival is a descendant...
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- ..of one of the founders - of the genetic clusters.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- Jim Cockburn-Powell.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- He matches a group - called R1b-PF5191...
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- ..which is one of - our Welsh descent clusters.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- It's rare in England, - it's not seen outside Wales...
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- ..but it's highly enriched in Wales.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- We're seeing a tantalising link.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32- Though Jim Cockburn-Powell's family - lived in England for centuries...
0:34:33 > 0:34:38- ..there's an interesting link to - the ancient nobility of North Wales.
0:34:38 > 0:34:43- My lineage has been traced back - to the 16th century.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48- They were farmers who - farmed the hills above Macclesfield.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- Roland Powell, my great-great- - great-great-great-grandfather...
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- ..was born in 1599.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- There's a possible link - between Roland Powell...
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- ..and a man - called David Powell from Flint.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- His genealogy goes back - to the giants of the past.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- David Powell - can trace his family tree...
0:35:13 > 0:35:14- ..to Cunedda Wledig...
0:35:15 > 0:35:20- ..who was a British chieftain of the - Votadini in southeast Scotland...
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- ..which was known as the Old North.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- People like Rhodri Fawr, - the Prince of Gwynedd...
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- ..was related to Cunedda Wledig.
0:35:34 > 0:35:39- It's possible that we've linked - one of today's genetic clusters...
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- ..to the cluster's great-grandfather - in the era of the princes.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48- It's too huge to contemplate.
0:35:50 > 0:35:50- .
0:35:51 > 0:35:51- Subtitles
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- DNA Cymru's on the trail - of prominent medieval leaders...
0:35:59 > 0:36:04- ..who were the forefathers of almost - 20% of Wales' male population today.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- The single - strongest connection we've found...
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- ..is for a man - who has a well-documented lineage.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- He carries the GZ6748 lineage...
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- ..which is another - Welsh descent cluster.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29- It's highly enriched in Wales, - and particularly in southern Wales.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38- Newton House, Llandeilo was - the home of the Barons of Dinefwr.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- One family member, - Alexander Talbot Rice...
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- ..has collected records - that show they've descended...
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- ..from many influential figures.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- I've studied records made by - grandfather, Harry Talbot Rice...
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- ..who compiled this family history - from a scroll that we have.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02- We can see there are descents - from David I of Scotland...
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- ..Llywelyn the Great, - King Edward III.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- But it's the direct lineage - of his fathers...
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- ..that's of interest to us.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- My great-grandfather, - great-great-great-grandfather.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- It goes back to - the Right Honourable George Rice...
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- ..who married Lady Cecil Dinefwr, - Baroness Dinefwr.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- If we follow this back...
0:37:28 > 0:37:33- ..you can see here - from Henry Rice Fitz Urien...
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- ..it goes all the way back - to Urien Rheged.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- Alexander Talbot Rice's lineage - stretches back...
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- ..to the earliest legends - of the British Isles.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50- But there's plenty of substance in - the family's medieval generations.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- Is one of these - historical figures...
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- ..the founder of the GZ6748 cluster?
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- To be sure of this, there are - a number of possibilities.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05- We can track down further men - who branch off the key lineage...
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- ..to see if they also share this...
0:38:08 > 0:38:12- ..and prove their common ancestor - carried this marker...
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- ..or we could take the men - in our study who carry the marker...
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- ..and try to trace their lineages - further back in time...
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- ..to see - if they connect in the past.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- It'll be very exciting to take - this work to the next stage...
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- ..and try to be sure that - we've found one of these patriarchs.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- One in every five Welshmen today...
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- ..are the descendants - of 10 prominent leaders...
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- ..who lived 1,000-2,000 years ago.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- The work of trying - to discover who they were continues.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59- More DNA testing is - certain to reveal more information.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05- DNA Cymru has already disclosed - an unexpected connection...
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- ..with the brave warriors - who shaped Wales.
0:39:09 > 0:39:14- The power and influence of those men - has lasted through the ages...
0:39:14 > 0:39:16- ..and left a mark on the nation.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- From the populations - I've looked at...
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- ..Wales is out there on an extreme - in terms of...
0:39:25 > 0:39:30- ..the enormous proportion of men, - something approaching 1 in 5 men...
0:39:30 > 0:39:35- ..who descend from this very small - number of elite individuals.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38- The study - has sparked a new interest...
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- ..and introduced another way - of researching our history.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- I would hope to see - a real merging...
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- ..of history and genetics - perhaps in the future.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- They won't be separate subjects...
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- ..but they will be - historical genetics.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- One branch of history - and one branch of genetics.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- Historical research - coupled with genetics...
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- ..will offer - a more complete picture of the past.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- It is perhaps in that picture...
0:40:10 > 0:40:15- ..that another aspect of our most - prominent figures will surprise us.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- One of DNA Cymru's results has - already surprised the researchers.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- I've met this person - numerous times...
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- ..during his rugby career.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- He was born in England - but gave 100% and more...
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- ..when he wore the red jersey.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- We've seen many interesting results - during the DNA Cymru project...
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- ..but this result is sensational.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- Colin Charvis.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- Nice to see you.
0:41:15 > 0:41:20- His mother is of Irish descent - and his father comes from Jamaica...
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- ..but the former Wales captain is - keen to learn more about his roots.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29- He knows very little about - his family's ancient history...
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- ..especially his Jamaican family.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37- All I know from talking to my nan, - she gave me a brief history.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42- Back then in Jamaica, people - would travel where there was work...
0:41:42 > 0:41:48- ..so my actual grandfather - travelled to my nan's village...
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- ..worked, had a family together, - and when work had gone, he left.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- There's a definite stop - at my grandma.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- Sylvianna Gardiner - was Colin's grandmother.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- Charles Charvis was his grandfather.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- There's no proof they were married.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- DNA Cymru - has commissioned new research...
0:42:07 > 0:42:12- ..which takes the records back to - Colin's great-great-grandfather...
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- ..Frederick Charvis, who was born...
0:42:15 > 0:42:19- ..soon after - the abolition of slavery in Jamaica.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- I'm amazed - at how far back we've gone.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28- To see a Charvis in the 19th - century, my great-great-grandfather.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- That's pretty amazing.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- What about your ancient history?
0:42:33 > 0:42:37- Would you have any indication - of where you originated?
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- No idea whatsoever.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43- But I did once travel - to Cape Verde...
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- ..and I stood on the step...
0:42:46 > 0:42:50- ..where a relative of mine - as a slave would've stood there...
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- ..to leave Africa on a boat - destined to the West Indies.
0:42:54 > 0:42:58- Which part of Africa that relative - would be from, I've no idea.
0:43:00 > 0:43:06- DNA Cymru's tests - show that 40% of Colin's DNA...
0:43:06 > 0:43:08- ..comes from Africa.
0:43:08 > 0:43:13- He suspects his father's lineage - comes from that continent.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16- But he's about to discover...
0:43:17 > 0:43:20- ..that he has unexpected origins.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- I've got this amazing document here.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- It's been a pleasure - watching you play for Wales...
0:43:29 > 0:43:33- ..and it's a pleasure now, - I've known you for many years...
0:43:33 > 0:43:36- ..to hand this to you - because, unbelievably...
0:43:36 > 0:43:39- ..the DNA of - your direct father line indicates...
0:43:40 > 0:43:42- ..you... are... Welsh.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46- Well...
0:43:48 > 0:43:50- Crikey!
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- Well, you know, I think...
0:43:55 > 0:43:57- ..I've returned home.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59- Can you believe that?
0:43:59 > 0:44:03- Colin belongs to - the R1b haplogroup...
0:44:03 > 0:44:06- ..the biggest haplogroup - in western Europe.
0:44:06 > 0:44:11- A228 refers to - a special sub-branch...
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- ..that forms one of - the genetic clusters in Wales.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19- At the beginning of - his international rugby career...
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- ..the Grannygate scandal raised - questions about his lineage.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25- Was he eligible to play for Wales?
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- It's ironic now that - his DNA proves he's descended...
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- ..from an important figure - in Welsh history.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- It certainly solves - the Grannygate issue...
0:44:37 > 0:44:40- ..of when I - first got capped in 1996.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46- I've settled in Wales, - I love living in Wales.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50- Having been fortunate - to play for our national team...
0:44:50 > 0:44:52- ..over those 11 years...
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- ..I feel - I'm part of the furniture here.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- Though Colin's result - is unexpected...
0:44:58 > 0:45:04- ..DNA evidence suggests that as many - as 30% of Afro-American males...
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- ..are descendants of European men.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10- Some of those men were from Wales.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- 200 years ago, - a businessman from Cardiff...
0:45:15 > 0:45:18- ..fathered a child - with a black woman on St Kitts.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- In time, - the boy came to live in Wales.
0:45:22 > 0:45:27- Nathaniel Wells inherited his - father's estate in Monmouthshire.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31- He was accepted in privileged - circles of society at the time.
0:45:31 > 0:45:36- I'm very proud of being - adopted in to my Welsh family...
0:45:36 > 0:45:38- ..and being part of Wales.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41- You only - have to see me on my bicycle.
0:45:41 > 0:45:46- I enjoy cycling. There's a - Welsh flag flying from my seat post.
0:45:46 > 0:45:51- It does feel fantastic - that there's a percentage of me...
0:45:51 > 0:45:54- ..was right, I am Welsh.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59- It's remarkable to think - that Colin Charvis...
0:45:59 > 0:46:04- ..has stood with the Wales team, - singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau...
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- ..when Wales - was the ancient land of his fathers.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- It was a shock - for Colin's family and friends.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- A lot of people know how much this - has meant to me over the years...
0:46:19 > 0:46:21- ..playing for Wales.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25- That albeit distant affirmation - of what I was doing...
0:46:26 > 0:46:28- ..everyone was chuffed for me.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31- My family and I are interested...
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- ..in getting a better idea - of where we're from.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- When you come from - a family of immigrants...
0:46:37 > 0:46:42- ..when you know that 200 years ago - there's been some slavery...
0:46:42 > 0:46:45- ..you're not very clued up - on where you're from.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50- There's nothing to research there. - It was very interesting for us.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53- That interest will be maintained...
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- ..as we attempt to find - the founder...
0:46:56 > 0:46:58- ..of the A228 genetic lineage.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03- It's like when you've got a metal - detector searching for treasure.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07- Once you've found a little bit, - you're going to keep going.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- It would be nice to narrow things - down and find that pot of gold...
0:47:12 > 0:47:14- ..and know more about myself.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17- According to DNA Cymru's research...
0:47:17 > 0:47:20- ..one Welshman in every five - is a descendant...
0:47:21 > 0:47:23- ..of one of the old chieftains.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26- There are those who are desperate - to know who they were.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:55 > 0:47:55- .