Adrian Targett, a history teacher from Cheddar, Somerset, made an extraordinary discovery that linked him directly to Britain’s ancient past. Through DNA testing, it was revealed that Targett is a direct descendant of “Cheddar Man,” the oldest complete skeleton ever found in Britain, dating back to 7150 BC. This surprising revelation came during a television series focused on archaeology, where DNA extracted from one of Cheddar Man’s molars was compared to the DNA of local residents. The match confirmed that Targett and Cheddar Man share a common maternal ancestor, making Targett the world’s most distant confirmed relative.

This discovery holds significant implications for understanding early human history, especially during a crucial period when societies transitioned from hunter-gatherers to agricultural communities. Cheddar Man lived in a time when the landscape was vastly different from today—densely forested and sparsely populated. His way of life involved hunting and gathering for survival.

The genetic link between Targett and Cheddar Man supports the theory that the spread of farming practices in Britain was more of an internal evolution within the population rather than the result of migration by new settlers. The local community and scientists alike have expressed great excitement about this newfound connection to Britain’s ancient history, as it deepens the understanding of how ancient populations shaped the future of the British Isles.

For Targett, this discovery is more than just a scientific curiosity—it is a personal connection to a chapter of history stretching back nearly 9,000 years. His story highlights the powerful role that DNA can play in uncovering ancestral ties that were once thought to be lost in time.