What does family history research involve?

Family history research is about uncovering the people, places and stories behind your past.

Using records such as census returns, birth, marriage and death records, and other archives, I build up a picture of your ancestors and their lives.

For look-ups, I focus on a specific question and explore what can be discovered through the available records—often uncovering details that bring your family story to life.

How much will it cost?

I wanted this service to feel accessible and approachable, particularly for those who may not be ready to commit to a full research package.

Focused look-ups start from £15 and are designed to explore a single question using the available records. If you feel the research has been especially valuable, you’re very welcome to contribute more on a pay-what-you-feel basis.

More extensive or ongoing research may be better suited to one of my structured research packages.

How long does it take?

Most look-ups are completed within a few days, depending on the complexity of the question and the availability of records.

What will I receive at the end of the session?

You’ll receive a clear summary of what I’ve been able to find, along with any relevant records or findings.

I’ll explain everything in a simple, easy-to-understand way, so you can fully appreciate what’s been uncovered.

What kind of questions can I ask?

You can ask a specific question about your family history, such as:

• Where did my grandparents live?
• What did my ancestor do for a living?
• When did my family move to a certain area?

If you’re not sure where to start, I’m always happy to help guide you.

Is there a limit to what you can look into?

Each look-up focuses on one question, so I can give it proper time and attention.

If you have more than one question, you’re very welcome to submit them separately.

What happens if you find something interesting and I want to go further?

If you’d like to explore your family history in more detail, you’re very welcome to book another session or move on to a more in-depth research package.

There’s no pressure—everything can be taken at your own pace.

Do I need lots of information to get started?

Not at all. Even a small amount of information—such as a name, location, or rough date—can be enough to begin.

Part of the process is working with what you have and seeing where it leads.

Is family history research always successful?

Not every search leads to clear answers, as records can sometimes be incomplete or difficult to trace.

However, even when information is limited, I’ll always share what I’ve found and explain possible next steps or avenues to explore.