Ancestry packages from £350
Tailored Research Service
Documentary Evidence
Worldwide Research
Research Prior To 1837
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How far back can you go?
Some parish records exist as far back as 1538 but realistically research from parish records will probably take your family tree back to the late 1600s - 1700s. Parish registers are held at local County Records Offices
Q.2 What will I find out?
For Family Tree packages I will research where your ancestors were born, who they married, what their occupations were, where they lived and any children revealed by the censuses.
When researching a family tree it is always possible that you will find a few surprises some enlightening but some finds can come as a bit of a shock. We will handle all the information about your ancestors sensitively and confidentially and in particular where there maybe living relatives affected by the finds.
Most Common finds: A criminal in the family, illegitimate child, bigamous marriages, army deserters
Q.3 How long does this take?
Depending on what you want projects can take from a few weeks to over 1 year to complete and sometimes longer, however we keep you informed every step of the way with regular updates on progress. Generally you should allow for approximately 2 weeks for each generation being researched and longer if sibling descendants are also being researched. Please do not be put off by the estimated timescales. if you need some urgent research facilitated we can sometimes shorten these timescales especially if you have an unusual surname. Please contact us directly and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Q.4 What if you can't find my ancestors?
The preliminary checks that I make will ensure that enough records exist to begin your project. However if the trail does run dry, the total cost may be reduced, pro-rata see terms and conditions.
Q.5 What are your sources?
- 19th and 20th Century Research for England and Wales is conducted from the General Register Office civil records of Births, Deaths and Marriages for England and Wales (from 1837) 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911 Census Returns for England, Wales and Scotland (Scottish Census Returns from 1841).
- Patent Books (USA) - Cavaliers and Pioneers (USA)
- International Marriage index
- Phillimore Registers:
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In the late 19th century, W.P.W. Phillimore, an eminent genealogist, concerned at the amount of English parish registers being damaged or lost entirely, started the task of transcribing them. Along with many other Vicars and other antiquaries he published the transcripts of Marriages from these registers in a series of books entitled "Phillimore Parish Registers". Only 150 copies of most books were printed, and some only 100. These books are now rare and some contain transcripts of registers no longer in existence, due to bombing in World War II.
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- The International Genealogical Index (IGI)
- Anglican Parish records for England and Wales, burials and Bishop's Transcripts
- Non Parochial Registers - eg.records of Non-Conformists
- Other Parish Records, such as Vestry Minutes, and Poor Law records
- Scottish civil records of Birth, Death and Marriage (from 1855)
- Scottish Old Parish Registers
- Wills and probate records
- Historical Directories
- Military Records
- India Office Records
- Coast Guard Records
- Historical Publications
- Immigration, Passage and Shipping Records
- Overseas BMD
- Pallots’ Marriage Index
- USA Census records
- USA BMD
Q.6 What is GEDCOM?
A GEDCOM file is plain text (usually either ANSEL or ASCII) containing genealogical information about individuals, and meta data linking these records together. Most genealogy software supports importing from and/or exporting to GEDCOM format. When you receive your GEDCOM File you may import your FAMILY tree directly into Family Tree Maker or most other Genealogical Software packages.
Q.7 What reports will I get?
These will include a summary of where we are since the last report and what I have found so far.
Ahnentafel Register
Relationship Report
Media Reports.
Q.8 How much will this cost?
Q.9 How do I order?
Click the button that says "Add to cart". After purchasing a product or service please complete this Form.
Q.10 What happens once I have placed my order?
Once you have ordered and paid for your package you will be sent a family details sheet to complete so that we can assess the viability of the research. This will be e-mailed to the email address which you provided us with. Please ensure that you have also provided a telephone number in your details as we will want to contact you to in case you require assistance with the completion of the family details sheet and to discuss the research with you going forward.