You don’t need a neat family tree to begin. Many people come here with missing people, migration across oceans, adoption or donor conception, records that do not quite line up. I offer careful, ethical family history research that helps you understand where you come from, without judgement or rush.
I help you untangle what is known, what is uncertain, and what can be discovered, with care and clarity.
You might be here because
I provide professional genealogy and genetic genealogy services, including:
Starting your family history when you have little or no information
UK family history research
Australian family history research
UK–Australia migration tracing
DNA and genetic genealogy, including DNA Angel support
Brick walls and complex cases
Clear written research reports you can keep and pass on
We start with a short, gentle consultation
We agree the focus, scope, and fee
I carry out the research
You receive a clear written report explaining what was found, what it means, and what your options are
No rushing. No pressure.
Family history is about people, not just documents. I work slowly and carefully, with respect for the lives behind the records and the emotional weight that often comes with them.
Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were, where they lived, or what their lives were like?
Family history research can reveal remarkable stories — from ordinary lives shaped by extraordinary times to surprising discoveries hidden in old records.
But for many people, the hardest part is simply knowing where to start.
You might have:
A few names written down somewhere
Old photographs with no dates or labels
Stories passed down through your family
Or nothing more than curiosity about where you come from
The good news is that you don’t need to know very much to begin.
This beginner-friendly guide will show you the first simple steps to researching your family tree.
Inside you’ll learn:
The best records to start with in UK genealogy
How to find your ancestors in census and parish records
Where to search for birth, marriage, and death records
Simple ways to build and organise your family tree
How to avoid the most common beginner mistakes
Whether you're starting from scratch or picking up research again after a break, this guide will help you take the first confident step.

Stuck on a genealogy brick wall? Learn how to use London and Sussex records to untangle your family ...more
Getting Started with Family History
May 02, 2026•undefined

The 1926 Irish Census is here! Discover why this first census of the Irish Free State is a game-changer for tracing your Irish ancestry and filling historical gaps. ...more
Irish Ancestry
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Three generations of the Blackburn family ran businesses in The Mint, Southwark — from Regency coffee house to Victorian pub. Did Dickens himself drink coffee here? Discover their remarkable story. ...more
Family History Stories
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Discover the history of The Mint in Southwark — a lawless sanctuary for debtors, home to a notorious workhouse, and an inspiration for Charles Dickens. ...more
British History
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Learn how to trace ancestors in the Fleet Registers and other clandestine marriage records. A complete guide to RG 7 at The National Archives, Ancestry, FamilySearch, Gretna Green, and other irregular... ...more
Research Guides
April 10, 2026•8 min read

Discover the fascinating history of clandestine marriages in 18th and 19th century Britain — from the notorious Fleet Prison marriage trade to breathless elopements to Gretna Green. A complete guide t... ...more
British History
April 07, 2026•11 min read
If you would like to explore your family history, you are welcome to get in touch.
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