FAQs
Family history research common questions

1. What is the best way to research my family tree?

The best way to start researching your family tree is to start with what you know. Write down your family members and all the people you know who came before you and how they relate to you. This way you can quickly identify where the gaps may be. Next, think about what you want to achieve, for example do you want to create a pedigree chart of names and dates or do you want to expand your research to include life events and experiences. You may have already identified a brick wall or a gap and that is where a professional genealogist can help...to break down the brick wall and help you to fill those gasps.​

​

2. Can you research your family tree for free?

There are plenty of free options out there for researching your family tree. A simple web search will provide you with links to many free databases and websites, but you will find that the most comprehensive data sets are those hosted by the big genealogy websites like Ancestry, FindMyPast, MyHeritage etc. Look out for special offers on subscriptions, free weekends when the website opens up without charge usually around the holidays or significant events like anniversaries for the end of WWII for example. Another option is to utilise your local library and county archive which will have free access to these websites. For tips on how to research and to build your knowledge in family history, consider joining a local family history group. However, there can be many reasons why you need a professional...you may not have the time to do the research yourself, or have access to all the repositories, you may wish to do this as a gift for someone but don't want to do the research yourself, and that's where a professional genealogist can help you.

​

3. I'm abroad, how can I research my family tree in the UK?

Although a significant number of records are held on the main websites, and while these will include the birth, marriage and death records as a minimum, if you wish to go deeper with your research you will find that you may need to visit the county archives. You can either contact the county archive directly who will usually charge you to look up an item on your behalf, or you can engage a professional genealogist to visit the archive on your behalf. They will have the advantage of being able to spend time searching through records for mention of your ancestor, and provide you with some context for the record. I am centrally based in the south of England which means I regularly work in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset archives, as well as The National Archives and The London Archives in the capital. If I can't cover your area, I can work with my network of professional genealogists to visit a county archive on your behalf.

​

4. How much does it cost to hire a professional genealogist?

Professional genealogists usually charge anything between £20-£50 per hour, however, a higher end fee is not always an indicator of quality. Look for a genealogist who is a member of a professional body such as AGRA - the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives in the UK and one with recommendations from previous clients. Professional genealogists will always discuss your requirements with you before you engage them.