Robson gene

Nov 18 2006 By The Journal

From football managers to radio DJs, TV personalities and kipper manufacturers, the name of Robson is known throughout the world.

Now geneticists at Newcastle's Centre for Life have appealed for 100 men called Robson to take part in a project to see how many of them are descended from the same warlike clan.

During the 1500s and 1600s the Robsons were one of the Border Reiver clans who fought with other Northumbrian and Scottish families such as the Armstrongs, Elliots and Burns.

The project will involve volunteers giving DNA samples so their Y-chromosomes can be compared for possible similarities.

It is part of an exhibition that will open at the Centre for Life next year called The Robson Encyclopaedia.

Centre for Life director Linda Conlon said: "The Border Reivers are part of our folklore.

The idea behind the Robson Encyclopaedia is to take a topic we're familiar with and use it to help explain a complex issue such as genetic inheritance.

"The centre is in the middle of a £4.5m redevelopment programme. When finished next spring, it will house a new permanent exhibition called Human Life. The Robson Encyclopaedia will be part of it."

The project will see 100 male volunteer Robsons invited to give a DNA sample using a simple mouth swab.

Scientists will look at 12 markers within the DNA to see what genetic characteristics are shared from generation to generation.

Geneticist Dr Alix Groom, who will be leading the analysis, said: "We are investigating whether the modern Robsons have a genetic root that leads them back to one original family.

"Just like a surname, the Y-chromosome is passed down from father to son."

Famous Robsons include former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby, his one-time England captain Bryan and the Newcastle and Sunderland striker of the same name better known as `Pop' Robson. The region is also known for the Craster kippers manufactured by L. Robson and Sons.

Anyone called Robson who is interested in taking part in the project should go to the Centre for Life's conference and banqueting suite from 10.30am to 12.30pm next Saturday to give a DNA sample.

For further information or to arrange a different date, please call Dr Groom on (0191) 241-8837.

The results of the DNA testing will be announced in the New Year and those taking part will be invited to see the exhibition at its official opening in March 2007.