Every research commission is unique.
Whether you are hoping to extend your family tree, investigate a historic property, or overcome a long-standing genealogical brick wall, every project begins with an assessment of your research objectives.
Before any work is undertaken, I will discuss what you already know, identify the records most likely to answer your questions, and recommend the most appropriate first stage of research. You will always receive a clear estimate before work begins.
Professional genealogical research is not simply about finding records, it is about interpreting evidence. My role is to analyse original documents, resolve conflicting information, and produce well-supported conclusions that stand up to scrutiny.
Every enquiry begins with a discussion of your research objectives. We will consider what is already known, identify the questions you would like answered, and assess the records most likely to provide evidence. Following this discussion, I will recommend an appropriate first stage of research and provide an estimate of the likely time required.
Most commissions begin with an initial assessment. This stage consists of:
For some clients this provides sufficient information to continue their own research, while others choose to commission further stages.
Rather than committing to an open-ended research project, most commissions are undertaken in agreed stages. At the end of each stage, I provide a written report and recommendations before discussing whether further research is justified. This ensures that you remain fully in control of both the direction of the research and the associated costs.
Professional genealogical research: £65 per hour
Most commissions are undertaken as agreed stages of research rather than open-ended hourly work.
Typical initial commissions range from £520–£650, depending on the complexity of the research.
Additional archive fees, travel expenses and document reproduction charges are discussed and agreed before they are incurred.
What you are paying for is not simply time spent searching records. Professional genealogy involves analysing original documents, resolving conflicting evidence and drawing well-supported conclusions from historical sources. Every report is fully referenced, enabling the research to be independently verified and providing a lasting record for future generations.
Professional genealogy is about far more than locating historical records. It requires the careful interpretation of evidence, evaluation of conflicting information and the ability to draw well-supported conclusions from original sources.
As a member of both the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) and the Register of Qualified Genealogists, I undertake research to recognised professional standards, providing fully referenced reports and evidence-based conclusions that can be independently verified.
Whether you are researching your family history, investigating a historic property, or trying to overcome a long-standing genealogical brick wall, my aim is to provide clear, objective research that you can rely upon.