I offer a professional genealogy research service tailored to your needs

I specialise in English ancestry
Today, much genealogy research can be done online using records available via commercial and other relevant websites. Although English records are my speciality, research often extends to other parts of the UK and the world – for example, when working with DNA matches, or migration of ancestors to or from the UK.

I will advise if the research you request can be done online or if a genealogist local to your area of interest would be more suited to the work. If, during research, intensive localised research in another part of the country becomes necessary, I can help you find a suitable qualified and experienced genealogist to continue work with you.

Based on the Isle of Wight 
Although much research can be done online, some records are available only in local archives.  Convenient for the Isle of Wight County Record Office I can access all surviving local records.  This is always important for pre-1837 research, but particularly so for the Isle of Wight, for which currently parish registers are available *only* at the County Record Office.

Experienced in genetic genealogy (DNA) research
I can advise when such a test would be appropriate, what the benefits might be and what we might look to achieve.

Respectful of you, your family and your ancestors

• My research is always carried out with respect, and with complete confidentiality
• I spend time with you to understand your needs before commencing any work

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My Genealogy Research Service may be divided into four overlapping categories. Click the links below to find out more about each.

Custom research about whatever you need
Examples might include:

• Investigating a story that was handed down in your family
• Researching the life of a specific ancestor, or a significant event
• Help with brick walls
• One-to-one assistance: verifying work done to date and/or offering ways to enhance your evidence and variety of documentation used
• Immigration and emigration matters, including current applications for citizenship as well as historic documentation, for example for Jews and Eastern Europeans migrating to the UK or migration from here to the New World

Research on the Isle of Wight
Research on the Isle of Wight includes all of the types of project outlined above. However, with easy access to the Isle of Wight County Record Office, I can delve deeper into your ancestors’ lives, using a wide range of surviving documents that sometimes can take us as far back as the sixteenth century.
I also offer Isle of Wight based House History research.

Working with DNA
DNA tests can be used for finding a missing parent or grandparent, but can also be helpful in breaking down brick walls or deciding between two possible ‘ancestors’. My DNA work is fully integrated into my genealogy research, and I will advise if this might be a useful option for your research objective. My DNA reports always explain fully how and why any conclusions are reached.

Family Tree ‘Gift Packages’
Using Civil Birth, Marriage & Death records, the decennial Census and parish registers (Baptism, Marriage and Burials), along with other nineteenth century records, I can work a family tree back to around the year 1800. This option is suitable as a gift… although that gift can, of course, be for yourself!

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My work is underpinned by qualifications in Genealogy, the Law and a range of other topics, together with many years experience as a researcher and writer. Find out more by reading my CV on the About Me page.