The Dorset Sopers

This is the story of a family. An ordinary family of good farming stock that emerged in Dorset during the English Civil War. By using parish records, service records and much other information it has been possible to trace the family from those simple farm labouring roots, over the centuries, to reveal a huge family of Sopers dotted across the globe. From being illiterate farm labourers they have become successful graduates in a variety of professions living good lives, but no longer in Dorset. One branch became sailors in Queen Victoria's navy and another made its way with an assisted passage on a five month long journey to Australia. There, in a tiny mountain top hamlet, they began a dynasty that became a backbone to the Hunter Valley community. Compiled by Robert Soper it uses many first hand recollections from family members alive and dead and ends with a direct legitimate link back to one of England's greatest kings. A starting point for any person across the globe who bears the name of Soper.