Family History Research Services
Approved speaker for the Federation of Women’s Institute – and Former Heir Hunter
Every family story is unique, and researching it can take many different paths.
Whether you are just beginning your journey, trying to overcome a frustrating “brick wall”, or hoping to uncover the deeper stories behind your ancestors, I offer professional genealogical research tailored to your needs. With more than 30 years of experience researching family history — including specialist knowledge of Northern Irish records — I combine careful research with a storyteller’s approach to help bring the past to life.
For most people, the best place to begin is with an initial research package. This allows me to review the information you already have and begin exploring the most promising records. Many families uncover fascinating new leads once research begins. If you would like me to continue exploring a particular branch of your family, further research can be undertaken at my standard hourly rate.
If you are researching your own family history but would like guidance, I offer one-to-one consultation sessions. These sessions can help you:
• break through research “brick walls”
• identify the most useful records to search
• understand historical sources and archives
• plan the next steps in your research
If you would like guidance before commissioning research, I offer free 15 minute consultations where we can explore your family history together and identify the most promising next steps.
If you already know some information about records you need but cannot access them yourself, I can help locate and obtain copies where available. At the same time I may spot other things that might be of interest and will always let you know if this happens to give you the opportunity to find out more.
£150 – Initial Discovery Research Package
Includes:
- Up to 6 hours research
- Initial assessment of existing information
- Search of key records (census, civil registration, etc.)
- Research summary
- Recommendations for next steps
How the Research Process Works
1. Initial Enquiry Begin by contacting me with as much information as you currently have about your family history. Even small details such as names, locations, or approximate dates can provide valuable starting points.
2. Research Assessment I will review the information you provide and suggest the most appropriate starting point for research, usually through the Initial Discovery Research Package.
3. Research and Analysis Using historical records, archives, and genealogical sources, I will carefully investigate the most promising leads, analysing findings and building a clearer picture of your family story.
4. Research Summary You will receive a summary of the discoveries made during the research, along with copies of any relevant records where available and suggestions for possible next steps.
Further research can then be undertaken if you wish to explore additional branches or unanswered questions.
This package can also make a thoughtful and unique gift for someone interested in discovering more about their family history.
£30 per hour – Extended Research
Further research can be undertaken at an hourly rate once the initial package is complete.
Because every family history case is unique, research is tailored to each client.
I will always discuss the scope of work with you before any extended research is undertaken.
£45 per hour – One-to-One Consultation Brick Wall Research
For DIY researchers – Breaking down brick walls together. Followed by extended research (see above) if necessary
£10 per item – Record & Document Lookups
Includes: locating a record and transcription. Bundle offer : 6 look-ups for £50. These can include census, births, baptisms, marriage, deaths, newspapers, etc.
The price includes the time taken to locate the record and sending you the information by e mail if located.
If you want a copy of the document, I can arrange this in some circumstances, however there will be an additional fee for this.
Overseas Clients
Many of my clients live overseas and are researching ancestors from England, Ireland, and the historic counties of Ulster.
If you live abroad and need help accessing UK or Irish records, I would be delighted to assist.
Specialist Research: Northern Ireland & Ulster
Tracing ancestors in Northern Ireland can be both fascinating and challenging.
The records are rich, but they are often fragmented, scattered across different archives, and shaped by a complex history of migration, land division, and changing boundaries.
With many families moving between Ireland, Scotland, England, and further afield, research often requires a careful understanding of both local records and wider migration patterns.
Because many Irish records were lost or never formally created, successful research often depends on combining multiple sources and understanding the historical context behind them. With decades of experience researching Northern Irish ancestry, I help clients navigate these challenges
Click below to arrange a free 15 minute consultation
If you would like guidance before commissioning research, I offer one-to-one 15 minute consultations – where we can explore your family history together and identify the most promising next steps.
Interested in getting started?
Every family history journey begins with a question.
If you would like to discuss your research or enquire about the Initial Discovery Package, please feel free to get in touch.
If you would like to discuss options, please feel free to get in touch via the contact page.
Looking for a Unique Gift?
Family history research can make a thoughtful and lasting gift for someone special. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, retirement, or simply a way of preserving family stories, a research package can help uncover the journeys, lives, and experiences of earlier generations. A gift of family history often becomes something that can be shared across the whole family — revealing stories that might otherwise have been lost.
If you would like to purchase a research package as a gift for a loved one, please feel free to get in touch and I will be happy to discuss the options with you.