A recent thread in the Canada forum got me thinking: my great-grandmother was born in the UK (England, to be exact) and I was wondering if that somehow gives me the ability to claim, in any shape or form, UK citizenship and gain a UK passport.

I know something similar to this works in Canada and the United States, but I am woefully ignorant when it comes to the laws in the United Kingdom. Even if it is possible, I don't know if a "great-grandmother" would count. I'm sure a parent would or maybe a grandparent, but going back more than that might be too much.

I'm not looking to immigrate to the UK nor do I know anyone there (my wife is a Canadian citizen), so if I couldn't claim UK citizenship through my great-grandmother, I wouldn't be terribly disappointed. In fact, even if I can do it, I may not, since there is little advantage to doing so in my case. More than anything, I'd just like to find out.

So if anyone here knows the answer or can point me in the right direction to find it out for myself, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

No, great-grandparents do not count.

Gwen's right - here's the link:

http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/se...d=1109171564665