Have you hit a brick wall in your genealogical research? Or do you know nothing at all about your ancestors and would like a few tips and starters? As a qualified professional genealogist, I relish the opportunity to help people with stumbling blocks and brick walls. I am also well versed in researching ancestors across the UK, Ireland and internationally, and so can help with most problems and areas. For those seeking Irish citizenship, I can assist in tracing original certificates.
Derbyshire and Derby family tree research
I am based in Derby and have a vast amount of experience researching Derbyshire and Derby family tree queries. As a result, I have acquired a wide knowledge of the available record sets in the area. I am also very well acquainted with the records kept at both Derby Local Studies & Family History Library and Derbyshire Record Archives. Although online research is integral, many amazing records are found on the shelves and basements of archives across the country.
Professional genealogist
I have adopted and perfected a set of creative search techniques to make the most of newspaper research. As a result, I have found hundreds of fascinating articles about individuals that would otherwise be lost in the ether. If you want to know if there is anything worth finding out about your ancestors in the newspapers of yesteryear, I can help you.
Prices
I will give you a quote before any research is conducted. Bespoke research packages begin at £550 for a minimum of 10 hours research. I will also keep you informed during the process if any research should turn up negative results. Any certificate or travel expenses will be an additional cost.
What records are consulted?
UK census records from 1841-1911 – these invaluable resources provide a detailed insight into the addresses, occupations, and extended families of ancestors. They provide the skeletal framework for family history research, and document the changing face of families throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Newspaper articles and obituaries – gathered from the largest newspaper collection in the world, newspaper records inject colour and intrigue into the lives of long-forgotten family members. Criminal misdemeanours, petty disputes, weddings, and more can all be found in the digitalised pages of thousands of UK, Irish and international newspapers.
Electoral rolls – these commonplace registers track the addresses and locations of ancestors throughout the end of the 19th and first half of the 20th century.
Education records – where available, school and admission registers exist to trace the educational record of ancestors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Trade directories – nationwide and local registers provide employment details of ancestors, and provide a detailed report on the changing nature of business and trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
1939 register – this national register was conducted early on in World War II, and provides a fascinating snapshot of life before the country was plunged into the tumultuous conflict. It includes key details of inhabitants, and features all those living in the UK in 1939 (unless still living today).
Parish records – in many cases, church baptism, marriage and funeral records for ancestors are also available for those who were living before the introduction of BMD indexes in 1837. In many instances, genealogical connections can be traced back hundreds of years. These will be included where available online, although in special cares, extra care will be taken to visit relevant record offices.
Wills and probate records – these provide a fascinating and revealing insight into ancestors’ financial situations, various possessions and the nature of relationships with other family members.
Criminal records – if there’s a black sheep in the family, prison files, court records and prison registers provide all the necessary detail.
Irish records – if you have Irish ancestors, 1901 and 1911 censuses survive to tell the tale, as do county records, criminal registers, and even dog licence forms.
Birth, marriage and death indexes – for nearly 200 years, it has been law to document births, marriages and deaths, and consequently the UK indexes are among the most comprehensive in the world. Individual certificates will be included where necessary or explanatory.
Military and armed forces records – although quite a few documents were destroyed, quite a few service and pension records exist for those who served in the First World War and previous conflicts, as well as medal index cards, grave registers, and more.
Travel and immigration records – if ancestors left the country for whatever reason, immigration and emigration records trace the journey from start to finish.
Institution and organisation records – local organisation registries often indicate hobbies, interests, and whether ancestors were members of public bodies and unions.
Any other record sets that may be relevant to your family story.