Underdown Family Genealogy & History

Edward Underdown was a renowned English actor known for his work in theatre, cinema, and television during the mid-20th century. Notable film credits include "Beat the Devil," "Thunderball," and Britain's first Technicolor film, "Wings of the Morning." On television, he appeared in popular series like "Dad's Army" and "Doctor Who." A gifted gentleman jockey, Underdown's love for horse racing was evident in his roles in "Wings of the Morning" and "The Rainbow Jacket." His military service in the Wiltshire Yeomanry during WWII earned him distinction, and he continued his passion for racing as a steward at Newbury Racecourse post-acting career.

Born to Harry Charles Baillie Underdown and Rachel Elizabeth Orr, Edward hailed from a family with a notable lineage. He married Hon. Rosemary Sybella Violet Grimston in 1953, linking him to the Grimston lineage as sixth cousins through common ancestors. His father owned a Norfolk estate, which played a significant role in Edward's early life and equestrian interests.

James "Jim" Underdown, born on October 9, 1960, is renowned for his role as executive director of The Center for Inquiry (CFI) West in Los Angeles since 1999. Underdown founded the Center for Inquiry Investigations Group, a leading organization investigating paranormal claims. He has directed short films, written plays, and co-hosted podcasts like Point of Inquiry and The Cult Awareness Podcast. A graduate of DePauw University, he was a celebrated football player inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame. Underdown’s work emphasizes secularism, science, and rational inquiry, earning him a Lifetime Achievement Award at California Freethought Day in 2024.

David Edward Underdown (1925–2009) was a distinguished historian specializing in 17th-century English politics and culture, and served as Professor Emeritus at Yale University. Born in Wells, Somerset, he was educated at the Blue School and Exeter College, Oxford. Underdown authored several influential works, including "Pride's Purge," a seminal study on the Puritan Revolution, and "Revel, Riot, and Rebellion," which explored popular politics and culture in early modern England. His book "Start of Play" examined the history of cricket during the Hambledon era. Underdown's contributions have been pivotal in the fields of local history, popular politics, gender, and sport, earning accolades from the North American Conference on British Studies and the New England Historical Association.

George Underdown was an English first-class cricketer born on May 12, 1859, in Petersfield. As an amateur cricketer, he played for a United Eleven captained by W. G. Grace against the Australians in 1882. Underdown was a key player for Hampshire from 1883 until they lost their first-class status in 1885, participating in nine matches. Across his career, he scored 231 runs with an average of 12.83, his best being 63. He also took a wicket against the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1885. Outside of cricket, Underdown was known as an ironmonger in his hometown. He passed away on May 29, 1895, at the age of 36.