YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Family History Research

  • As much or as little as you already know. A name, approximate date and place can often be enough to begin, although any certificates, photographs, family trees, documents or family stories you already have may help.

    Before research starts, I will discuss what you know and what you would most like to discover so that time is not spent unnecessarily repeating research you have already completed.

  • There is no single answer, as every family and every line is different. For many English and Welsh families, surviving records make it possible to trace ancestry into the eighteenth century and sometimes considerably earlier.

    However, record survival, illegitimacy, migration, common names and other circumstances can all affect what can be established. I would always rather provide a carefully evidenced family history than extend a tree beyond what the records can reliably support. Evidence is essential to providing a professional family tree.

  • Unfortunately, historical records do not always survive and some people are simply much harder to trace than others.

    Genealogical research cannot guarantee a particular discovery. Where a record or ancestor cannot be found, and reliable links cannot be made through other records and sources, I will explain what has been searched, what the evidence tells us and, where appropriate, suggest possible avenues for future research. Research time is never used simply to fill a family tree with unsupported assumptions.

  • Where licensing and copyright restrictions permit, relevant historical records and images will be included with your research. Any records purchased on your behalf as part of your research will be included.

    Your report will also identify the sources used so that you have a clear record of where the information came from and the evidence supporting the conclusions reached.

  • Yes. My research packages are based around surname lines, so you can choose the branch or branches of your family that you are most interested in discovering.

    If you are unsure which option would work best, tell me what you would like to know and I can recommend the most appropriate starting point.

  • This depends upon the size and complexity of the project, the package selected and whether additional records need to be ordered or archives consulted.

    An estimated timescale will be discussed before your research begins. I take on a limited number of projects at a time so that each family receives the attention it deserves.

  • Historical research can never guarantee a particular ancestor, story or result. Records may be missing, damaged, inaccessible or may simply never have existed.

    What I can guarantee is that your research will be approached professionally and carefully, with conclusions based upon the available evidence. Sometimes confirming that a family story is true is the discovery; sometimes the records reveal an entirely different story.

    The aim is not to create the most impressive family tree. It is to uncover the most accurate story the evidence allows us to tell.

Heritage Books

  • Not necessarily. A Heritage Book can be created from research undertaken by me, but I can also work with existing family research where there is sufficient reliable information and source material available.

    If you already have a family tree, documents, photographs or previous research, I can assess what you have and discuss what additional work may be required before the book is created.

  • Every Heritage Book is individually created around the family being explored rather than produced from a standard template.

    Depending upon the material available, your book may combine genealogical research with family stories, historical context, photographs, maps, documents, family trees and other visual material to create a professionally written and designed account of your family's history.

    The intention is not simply to present names and dates, but to tell the story behind them.

    However, record survival, illegitimacy, migration, common names and other circumstances can all affect what can be established. I would always rather provide a carefully evidenced family history than extend a tree beyond what the records can reliably support. Evidence is essential to providing a professional family tree.

  • Heritage Books require considerably more time than a standard research report because the research is followed by writing, historical contextualisation, image preparation and individual page design.

    The timescale will therefore depend upon the scope of the book and the material involved. An estimated completion period will be agreed before work begins.

  • Absolutely. In fact, these can be some of the most valuable parts of a Heritage Book.

    Family photographs, letters, certificates, recipes, memories, anecdotes and other personal material can help transform genealogical research into the story of a real family. I can discuss with you what might be suitable and how it could be incorporated into the finished book.

  • Yes. Additional copies can usually be arranged, making Heritage Books particularly suitable for sharing between siblings, children and other members of the family or for sharing during special occasions like weddings or anniversaries.

    The cost will depend upon the final book specification and the number of copies required.

  • Every Heritage Book is researched, written and individually designed rather than generated from a standard template. This makes them particularly time-intensive projects.

    I therefore accept only a small number of Heritage Book commissions at any one time. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis so that every book can receive the care and attention it requires.

Other Services

  • Yes. I can provide genetic genealogy support ranging from helping you understand your DNA results or choose an appropriate test to using DNA evidence alongside traditional genealogical research.

    DNA cases vary enormously in complexity, so this work is quoted individually after discussing what you are hoping to discover and what testing has already been completed.

  • Yes. I offer palaeographical transcription of historical handwritten material, including letters, journals, wills, deeds and other family documents.

    I have experience working with English and Latin documents dating back to the sixteenth century. Projects are quoted according to the age, length, language, handwriting and complexity of the material.

  • Yes. Old photographs can be digitally repaired to reduce or remove damage such as creases, tears, marks and fading while retaining the character of the original image.

    I can also provide digitisation, black-and-white restoration and colourisation.

  • Yes. Although Devon history is one of my particular areas of interest and expertise, my genealogical research is not limited to Devon.

    Much family history research can be undertaken remotely using archives, databases and digitised collections, and I am happy to discuss projects involving families from elsewhere in Britain and further afield.

Payment and Process

  • The best place to begin is simply to get in touch and tell me a little about what you would like to discover.

    I can then advise whether one of my existing research packages is suitable or whether your enquiry would be better treated as a bespoke project. Once the scope of the research has been agreed, I will explain the next steps before any work begins.

  • For smaller projects and standard research packages, payment arrangements will be confirmed when you book. Larger or longer projects may be divided into agreed stages.

    You will always know the cost and payment arrangements before I begin work, and I will not undertake additional chargeable research without discussing it with you first.

  • My standard genealogy packages have clearly stated prices and inclusions.

    Some services, including palaeography, genetic genealogy, photograph work and bespoke research, vary too much from case to case for a single price to be appropriate. For these projects, I will assess what is required and provide a quotation before work begins.

  • I will contact you to gather the information needed to begin your project and clarify exactly what you would most like the research to explore.

    From there, the research begins. Depending upon your chosen service, the final result may include a professionally presented research report, supporting records and documentation, or your individually designed Heritage Book.

  • Yes — and I actively encourage it.

    You do not need to understand genealogy or know exactly which service you require before contacting me. Tell me what you already know, what you are curious about and what you hope to discover, and I can help you decide on the most appropriate way forward.