In athletics, few names resonate as strongly as Jessica Ennis-Hill. An emblem of perseverance and success, this heptathlete rose to the pinnacle of her sport with her gold medal triumph at the 2012 London Olympics. Yet beneath her athletic accolades lies a tapestry of heritage, personal struggles, and a quest for understanding her roots, all of which she explored in her poignant episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

Jessica reflected on her early passion for sports: “I started athletics when I was nine or ten years old, and from that point, I was always training and working toward the end goal,“. Her determination was not just a product of her ambition; it was fostered by a supportive environment, particularly from her family in Sheffield. Their encouragement became the springboard for Jessica’s career, culminating in the extraordinary experience of becoming an Olympic champion in front of her home crowd.

Yet, the question lingers, what lies at the core of such drive and resilience? As Jessica contemplates the traits that propelled her to greatness, she is eager to discover whether they are inherited. “I’m really interested to understand where those traits come from,“ she states, setting the stage for her journey into her family history.

Roots in Sheffield

Visiting her maternal grandparents Rodney and Margaret in the scenic backdrop of the Peak District, Jessica embarks on her personal exploration. “This is obviously an area that is so close to my heart because my grandparents live out here. Me and my sister spent so much time coming out here,“ she says, recalling weekends spent in the company of family. Sitting down with her grandparents, her grandmother shares photographs from Jessica’s early years.

As they sift through mementoes, they delve into the story of her great-great-grandmother, Emily Maud Powell. A sudden disappearance centuries back casts a shadow over her family history. Jessica learns that Maud kissed her children Jack and Maud one day and left with a suitcase, never to return. “How is she feeling to leave like that? Where did she go? Does she start another family? I don’t know” Jessica grapples with the emotionally charged questions surrounding this mystery.

A Quest for Clarity

Meeting historian Doctor Jennifer Ashton at Sheffield City Archives, Jessica is shown a crucial piece of evidence, a magistrates court record from 1919 which reveals troubling dynamics between Maud and her husband, William Powell. As the documents unfold, Jessica discovers that Maud formally accused William of assault in June of 1919. Struck not only by the accusation but also by the implications it carries, the court records paint a bleak picture of domestic strife, hinting at a home fraught with violence. “I suppose I didn’t know what had happened and why she left,“ Jessica contemplates her initial thoughts about Maud’s disappearance now clouded by the shadow of domestic abuse.

The trajectory of Maud’s life begins to clarify; she was not merely a woman who abandoned her children but someone trapped in a tumultuous relationship. “Withdrawn,” the records note concerning the charges against William, suggests that Maud had sought both escape and security. This legal entanglement reflects not just a personal crisis, but a broader tale of survival.

The Asylum Revelation

However, the deeper and more shocking revelations await Jessica as she continues her exploration. After the discovery of Maud’s court cases, the 1921 census places Maud in the South Yorkshire Asylum. “Wow. I didn’t expect to find that, I’m just quite shocked. There are so many questions, I want to know,” Jessica reacts to this new information. The next chapter of her great-great-grandmother’s life unveils itself—one marked by the tensions of mental health issues.

Jessica grapples with many questions: Why was Maud admitted to the asylum? What stigma surrounded mental health care in the early 20th century? As the investigation unfolds, Jessica visits the site of the former South Yorkshire Asylum and meets historian Doctor Alice Brumby, where she is presented with the medical records which outline Maud’s mental state upon admission. “She has delusions… she heard secrets spoken in the streets… she has been robbed of valuable papers,“ the records state.

The shock deepens as Jessica learns that Maud’s struggles weren’t isolated and were a precursor to her breakdown of her relationship with William; they were compounded by the mental health crisis that ultimately consumed her. “It’s awful in every way,” she reflects, the gravity of her find weighing heavily. In 1944 Maud was transferred to Storthes Hall asylum in Huddersfield.

Confronting the Past

Jessica heads to the former Storthes Hall asylum to meet with historian Doctor Stephen Taylor, where she learns that life in such institutions was often more complex and humane than stereotypical portrayals suggest. Patients could engage in various activities; indeed, there were shops and even hairdressers. “It makes me feel a little bit better that it wasn’t just a case of you have your treatment and whatever that might be. That it was actually a space to kind of live her life in a certain way,” Jessica muses, comforted by the notion that Maud may have formed connections within her ward despite her incarceration.

However, the hope of solace is short-lived as deeper truths emerge. The journey takes another sombre turn with the unveiling of Maud’s daughter’s death certificate, revealing she was just eleven years old. Jessica’s grief spills over as she grapples with the impact of Maud’s absence from her children and the fate of her young daughter. “she would never have got to see her daughter again,“ she reflects. The emotional burden of losing a parent, compounded by the stigma associated with mental health, cements her understanding of her great-grandfather Jack’s life and the shadows that loomed over their family.

As Jessica digs deeper, she confronts the implications of her findings, recognising how Maud’s struggle likely rippled across generations. “I didn’t understand why she would leave,” Ennis-Hill posits, her voice cracking with emotion. The more she learns, the clearer the story becomes: Maud’s deteriorating mental state, exacerbated by domestic abuse and stigma surrounding mental health care, was not merely abandonment; it was survival in a system that failed to protect both her well-being and that of her children.

Maud remained in asylums for over 25 years before passing away in 1970 at the age of 84. “Did she even know about the family she left behind?” Jessica wonders, encapsulating her journey as she grapples with the connection between past and present.

Through her exploration, Jessica has unearthed not just the story of Emily Maud Powell, but a crucial understanding of how the past shapes identities, through hardship, resilience, and the search for acceptance. “Now we know the reasons for why she left,” Jessica affirms.

Jessica’s Jamaican Roots

Having unearthed the complex and poignant story of her great-great-grandmother Emily Maud Powell, Jessica Ennis-Hill now turns her gaze toward the Jamaican side of her heritage. With a desire to understand both her paternal roots, she embarks on a journey with her father, Vinny, to explore the history and legacy of their Jamaican ancestry.

Jessica reflects on her father’s lasting connection to Jamaica, acknowledging the cultural significance it holds in their family. “My dad was always very conscious that although he’d lived here for so many years, he was still very much Jamaican,“ she shares, emphasising the importance of cultural identity.

Travelling to the neighbourhood of Meersbrook Road in Sheffield, they visit the house where her father lived when he first arrived in England at the age of 13. The memories flood back as Vinny recounts his arrival and the challenges he faced in a new country. “This is my first address, when I came to England, in 1963,” he says, a mixture of nostalgia and emotion in his voice.

While at the house, Vinny and Jess share old photographs that evoke memories of family and the significance of their Jamaican roots. This journey sparks a new connection for Jessica, who longs to delve deeper into her family’s Jamaican history.

The Journey to Jamaica

With a desire to understand her ancestry first-hand, Jess and her father travel over 4,500 miles to Jamaica, marking the first visit to the island for Jessica. Jessica is swept away by the beauty of Jamaica. “I don’t know what I imagined it would be like, but it’s amazing,“ she exclaims.

Their visit takes them to Linstead, the town where Vinny grew up, and to meet their extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family’s warm welcome underscores the strength of family ties that surpass geographical boundaries. Jess is overwhelmed, “It’s really surreal to actually be here because I’ve heard so many stories my dad’s told over the years about his time here. And for me to see it in real life and meet the rest of the family, it’s just really emotional,“ she admits.

Discovering Extended Family and Shared Histories

As they engage with her great-aunt Edna, Jessica learns more about her grandmother Grace and the legacy of their family. Edna reveals the rich family history, explaining that Grace was one of twelve siblings. “I really cherish the memories of Mum and Dad,“ Edna reminisces, showing Jess a picture of her great-grandfather, James Thomas White and great-grandmother Louise.

These connections help Ennis-Hill trace her lineage back further, discovering her great-grandparents were part of a landowning family in Jamaica. This opens a new avenue of exploration as Jess is curious about the origins of their wealth and land ownership.

Investigating Family Land Ownership

Jessica visits St. John’s Anglican Church, where she meets historian Dr. Shani Roper to uncover more about her great-grandmother Louise’s family. Dr. Roper presents a historical will belonging to George McLeod White, Jess’s three-times great-grandfather, which details the land ownership that had been passed down through generations.

The will reveals a wealth of approximately 15 acres of land and connections to coffee and sugar production. “I’m trying to understand, where it all started,“ Jessica expresses, eager to piece together the family’s past.

Dr. Roper is able to link greater details, finding insights into the life of her four-times great-grandfather, George Thomas White, who lived during a period of significant change. “He likely was born into slavery on the Water Mount estate,“ Dr. Roper explains, describing the harsh realities faced by their ancestors.

The revelations about her family’s history provoke a strong emotional response from Jessica. “When half of your heritage is Jamaican, there’s that thought of were my relatives enslaved at some stage in their life. But to actually be here and trace back, and understand that my family members have been through the most awful period of time and been subjected to unimaginable life,” she acknowledges, wishing to understand the legacy of resilience that has shaped her family.

As the journey unfolds, Jessica learns about the difficult transition from enslavement to freedom. George Thomas White had been a Cooper, a skilled workman who played an essential role in the rum production process, but the challenges he faced after the abolition of slavery—such as the transitional apprenticeship system—highlight the systemic injustices still faced by formerly enslaved people.

The emotional weight becomes heavier as Jessica realises the complexities of her ancestry and the obstacles her forebearers faced. “It’s hard to see it right out in front of you,” she reflects, coming to terms with the historical pain that permeates her family lineage.

Understanding the plantation system

Jessica’s journey leads her to the Hampton Estate, a site steeped in the history of sugar production and rum distillation since the 1760s. Accompanied by historian Dr. Suzanne Francis Brown, Jessica learns about the significance of her four-times great grandfather George Thomas White, who worked as a cooper. This role required a specialised skill set, highlighting the importance of artisans like him in the rum industry, which was pivotal to Jamaica’s economy. The island, having been colonised by Britain in 1655, became a significant hub for sugar and rum production, relying heavily on the labour of enslaved individuals, many of whom, like George, were born into slavery.

As Dr. Brown guides Jessica through the realities of her ancestor’s life, she discovers the extent of George’s enslavement through historical records, including the 1817 slave registers. Unfortunately, these records do not provide a full narrative of George’s experiences, prompting Jessica to question the treatment of enslaved individuals under the brutal plantation system. It becomes clear that slavery functioned to benefit the estate owners, often treating human lives as commodities rather than individuals. Jessica feels a profound sense of frustration and disbelief as she learns that George likely endured oppressive labour conditions, working long hours under harsh oversight, illustrating a tragic reality of life for enslaved people during that period.

Despite the brutal oppression, there were glimmers of hope following the 1833 abolition of slavery, though these came with significant caveats. Enslaved individuals were thrust into a transitional apprenticeship system, wherein they were still bound to work for their former masters for an additional four to six years under strict conditions. Dr. Brown explains the frustration many experienced, as they were promised freedom yet faced further labour demands, leading to pushback against their exploitation. Jessica’s pride in her ancestor grows as she contemplates the stand George may have taken against such injustices. This historical insight into George’s life underscores the resilience of those who came before her, driving home the significance of acknowledging both the struggles and triumphs entwined in her heritage.

Visiting the Water Mount Estate

A visit to the remnants of the Water Mount estate provides Jessica a closer look at the land connected to her ancestor. Walking the grounds, Jessica feels the weight of history and the struggles that once unfolded there. “It feels quite sombre. Just feels like it’s got a quite a negative energy I feel walking down here.” she describes, acknowledging the mixed emotions ignited by the connection to her great-great-grandfather’s past. As she surveys the area, Jessica is struck by a deep emotional resonance, a connection that seems to collapse time itself. “This view probably hasn’t changed that much. It’s what he would have seen,“ she reflects, pondering the harsh realities that George faced on this very land.

Jessica learns about the circumstances surrounding George’s emancipation, including the skills he possessed that later allowed him to navigate a changed socio-economic landscape. As a Cooper, George Thomas White had the valuable ability to craft barrels for rum production—an essential skill in a society still heavily reliant on sugar and rum. This empowered him to take control of his circumstances in a post-emancipation world.

Dr. Brown presents a historical land conveyance document that details George’s acquisition of land in 1840, just two years after slavery was abolished. This legal document illustrates a significant shift in fortunes for George Thomas White, who transitioned from enslaved labourer to landowner, acquiring property that had previously belonged to James Williams, an owner of the estate. Jessica begins to understand the resilience and agency her ancestor demonstrated in claiming land and stabilising his lineage, a testament to the possibilities that arose in the aftermath of emancipation.

As Jessica walks the grounds with her father, Vinny, they meet Julius, another descendant of George. This encounter solidifies a familial connection that spans generations, leaving both Jessica and Vinny in awe of the rich history that binds them to this land. “It’s so amazing to be here, standing on land that goes so far back in our family,” Jessica remarks, overwhelmed by the enormity of her roots.

Throughout her journey, she reflects on the shared struggles of both her great-great-grandmother, Maud, and George Thomas White. They were individuals who, despite the adversities they faced, fought for their identities and a better life. “The overriding feeling that I’ve come away with is pride,” she concludes, celebrating her heritage and the intricate stories that inform her family’s history. As she prepares to share her discoveries with her family back home, Jessica recognises the profound importance of understanding where they come from and the legacy it imparts.