David Mitchell Traces Gaelic Language Roots | Who Do You Think You Are

In this episode of the series, comedian David Mitchell goes in search of his Scottish roots. David knows that the Mitchells were wealthy sheep farmers in Sutherland. For almost a hundred years, three generations of the family held Ribigill farm, but mysteriously gave up the lease in 1933. David wants to know why they abandoned a sheep farming tradition that went back so many years. He also wants to find out whether his family were involved in the notorious Highland Clearances.

In addition, David is keen to discover more about another branch of his Scottish family - the Forbes. Using a book written by his great-great-grandfather Alexander Forbes as the starting point for his investigation, David travels to the Isle of Skye. The trail leads to Alexander's father, John Forbes, a Church of Scotland minister on the island in the nineteenth century. David is delighted to discover that his ancestor was something of a local hero. Not only did John Forbes work tirelessly on behalf of his parishioners, he also became involved in helping to rescue some girls from his parish who had been trafficked to work in a mill in Manchester.

However, the story takes an unexpected turn when David discovers some old church papers and John Forbes's will. These documents reveal another, more disturbing side to his ancestor's character...

In each episode, one of Britain's best-loved celebrities traces their family tree to reveal the surprising, extraordinary and often moving stories of their ancestors.

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[richardrhodes]

Watching this right after your soap box on the Galic Language was pretty entertaining

[know]

i speak arabic french english and some spanish but nothing is comparable to gealic it is so melodious and easy on the ear

[castleofsong]

It’s sad that David does not recognise as his forefathers did that language was a well recognised tool of oppression and control used by colonial powers not least England. The act of of speaking Gaelic is in itself an act of rebellion. “An té nach bhfuil láidir ní folair dó a bheith glic.”

[ML-rzhb]

I've looked several times at seeing these in sequence - and can't figure it out. Could you make a playlist for this? Watching out of sequence is idiotic.

[alskjflah]

Is this before or after David's soapbox rant about the Gaelic language?

[gruntymchunchy]

Some Gaeilge (Irish) to describe Mitchell here:
Amadán sasanach

[mrss]

Does anyone else notice how this librarian and Mitchell could pass for brother and sister?

[vickisumrall]

I had a wonderful.older lady that I helped daily and took car of her cat and pet raccoons. She was a world famous psychiatric doctor
She was Molly Harrower. She told me that her maiden name was Forbes, as in the famous family in America. She was cousins to the man that ran for President in the 90s. She was an awesome, eccentric soul...and I miss her.

[paulcollins]

God, there are some bitter and unfair people posting comments on this thread. I’m part Irish, part Welsh and part English. I speak neither Irish nor Welsh because, unfortunately, both languages died out in my family and I don’t intend to learn them because, equally unfortunately, just learning them won’t bring the culture and the shared history, the understanding and the belonging that would otherwise have come with that. If that makes me an arrogant, privileged Englishman then really, what would you have me do? Turn myself inside out?

[twoonthewall]

The value of an English education. He can't get over his in grained distain for the gaelic peoples and their culture.

[irishelk]

Irish, Scots, Manx -- Gaels. Welsh, Cornish, Breton -- Britons. The six Celtic nations.

[timothypage]

Vermont: Beautiful countryside AND fast broadband.

[marciamayhem]

I'm from Iowa, USA & David Mitchell is one of my ALL time favorite comedians!!!

[mnm]

David Mitchell, the scotsman. Huh. Who knew? 🤔

[jimmyryan]

Ironic considering his obnoxious video calling for the death of Gaelic languages. I still cant believe he made that.

[robertkerr]

Proud to (maybe) related to the wife of Lewis Forbes, 'Margaret Curr' (Margaret Kerr?), which I have often seen as more like the pronounciation of Kerr.

[piquantement]

Is everyone complaining about David's "attitude" here not familiar with his work? He's doing a bit.

[nataliabirchall]

The red head looks like queen Elizabeth the 1st

[lawlessize]

Looks like a great place to learn/ re learn Gaelic. Christina was so pleasant. Mitchel's snide remarks are really offensive.

[krissee]

It's funny how some people don't understand dry humour