BACK-TO-YOUR-ROOTS.CO.UK

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHO YOU REALLY ARE?

In order for you to exist in your current form, it was not simply a matter of your parents meeting. It has required countless circumstances throughout the generations preceding you to shape you into the person you are today. Every circumstance has its own unique story, and this concept is applied to every individual, making each of us truly unique and our family history of equal interest.

Finding the right places to look when conducting historical research may be difficult, especially when you encounter a brick wall.

Fortunately, the introduction of parish records in 1538 and civil registration records in 1837 have been an important milestone. These records have enabled us to reconstruct family trees and establish connections with ancestors who were previously lost to history.

My passion has always been reviving the lives of individuals recorded in registers and other vital documents.

I enjoy exploring the periods of time between birth, marriage, and death in order to uncover the true essence of individuals. I conduct thorough research by examining available documents and analysing historical timelines. By studying the events that were taking place during your ancestor's time, I determine the potential impact these events may have had on their life.

Therefore, I am pleased to offer a personalised and tailored research service.

Transporting you back in time, I bring back to life the stories of your ancestors by presenting you with a meticulously documented and easily understandable report detailing your personal history.

Alternatively, picture yourself being presented with a unique one-of-a-kind book that beautifully captures and presents your life story. These items are not only an excellent gift but also a precious keepsake to be treasured by future generations.

ABOUT ME

I started tracing my family history in the late 90s. I had always been fascinated by local history and eagerly listened to the family stories of fortune, fame, achievements, and the occasional scandal.

Of course, stories have evolved over the generations, but I never grew tired of hearing about my ancestors. What I found most captivating was the discovery of documents that supported claims or corrected the stories I had been told.

I will always remember my very first trip to the London records office, which took place before the widespread expansion of the Internet. During this trip, I obtained my first vital certificates, which not only provided me with answers to puzzles but also gave me clues to find the next piece of information. Since then, I have been captivated and successfully discovered a previously lost family branch.

I have since successfully assisted numerous individuals in connecting with their past, reuniting lost relatives, and uncovering previously unknown family history.

CREDENTIALS

After researching for over twenty years and the completion of online courses to improve my skills, I realised the importance of obtaining a formal qualification. As a result, I made the decision to enrol in the MSc/PgDip/PgCert programme in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde.

I have completed a Master of Science in Genealogical, Palaeographic, and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. I am also an Associate of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). This is an independent non-profit organisation and membership is granted through a rigorous assessment system. Applicants are required to undergo rigorous assessments of their knowledge, professionalism, and client care before being granted accreditation. It has a diligent code of practise and a complaint procedure with penalties.

Furthermore, I am also a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists. The Register of Qualified Genealogists maintains and publicly shares a comprehensive list of genealogists who have obtained a recognised qualification in the field of genealogy and related practices.

I am fully insured and registered, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

I am also a member of many local history societies both locally and nationally.

WHAT I OFFER AND PRICE

I provide a complimentary introductory interview where we can thoroughly discuss your specific requirements. After this interview, you will also receive one hour of free research to ensure the viability of your project. I understand the value of time and money, and I want to make sure that our research efforts are focused on endeavours with a higher likelihood of success. However, it's important to acknowledge that everyone has a unique history, and there is always something worth discovering.

The hourly rate for historical research in England, Scotland, and Wales starts at £25.00.

I provide a research service that is charged on an hourly basis. Additionally, I offer a discount for clients who book and pay for a total of 10 hours of research in advance.

Once the interview and research period are complete, I will furnish you with a quotation, along with the corresponding terms and conditions. I kindly request that each 10 hours of research be agreed upon and paid for in full, or alternatively, a 50% deposit be made before I can begin conducting any research. A 10% discount will be provided for every 10 hours paid in full.

During the research period, I will provide regular progress updates and propose additional areas for development.

Talks Available - I am delighted to offer talks to schools and other events and organisations, either via Zoom or in person. I am based in Suffolk but also happy to travel. Please contact me for more details, as pricing varies.

Writing - I contribute monthly to a national magazine and produce my own publications. I am open to considering new commissions.

AT THE END

I will create a comprehensive PDF narrative report for you, tailored to your specific needs. This report will be fully referenced and will typically follow a narrative format, incorporating a timeline that connects your relatives' lives to British history. This will help provide a contextual understanding of their experiences.

Furthermore, you have the option to order a hardback book of your report, which includes your own photos and documents, for an additional cost of £45.00. This would serve as a delightful keepsake.

We can also provide a family scroll displaying your family tree for an additional cost of £30.00.

There are examples available for discussion during the interview.

(Additional copies can be purchased for other relatives)

I currently offer.

• Family tree research

• Brick walls and lost relatives

• House histories

• Illegitimacies and uncovering parentage

• Transcription services

• My specialism is Victorian history and all that comes with it including legal records, criminal records, parish and poor law, and workhouse records.

• Historical research

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to me for an informal conversation. I am always delighted to engage in conversations about intriguing or perplexing mysteries.

EXTRA COSTS

Additional charges will incur for necessary travel to and from archive centres, graveyards, addresses, and other places of interest.

45 p per mile for travel

Parking as required.

There will be additional costs associated with purchasing certificates and other necessary documents. Once the research is completed, these items will become your property.

Certificates vary between £7-£11.00 but to find out the current cost of certificates, please refer to the GRO website at https://www.gro.gov.uk/

Prior to placing an order, it is necessary to agree on any additional costs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why hire a genealogist?

Working with you I am able to discover your requirements and explain my findings. I have professional memberships and many resources available as well as the experience that would help me when you may have hit a wall with research

I offer attention to detail and a professional service.

Will you be able to help me?

An assessment form will need to be completed free of charge prior to the commencement of work or any payment taken, if for any reason I am unable to help I will be able to tell you at this stage or direct you to the necessary organisations that will be able to help.

How long will it take?

Genealogical research varies but in general will take 4-6 weeks.

Do you cover all areas?

I am best placed to research British records but have undertaken research for other countries. An assessment form will need to be completed prior to a project commencement. This will be free of charge. Once assessment has taken place I will require a £50 deposit to commence research.

How many generations can you go back?

I will endeavour to go back as far as possible. Civil registration began in 1837 but records were usually kept by parishes much further back. Parish records are usually less accurate therefore realistically research records will probably date back to the early 1700's. Progress will vary depending upon the survival, condition and availability of records.

TESTIMONIALS

PRIVACY NOTICE

The policy: This privacy policy notice is for this website; www.back-to-your-roots.co.uk and served www.back-to-your-roots.co.uk and governs the privacy of those who use it. The purpose of this policy is to explain to you how we control, process, handle and protect your personal information while browsing or using this website, including your rights under current laws and regulations. If you do not agree to the following policy you may wish to cease viewing / using this website.

1. At Back-to-your-roots.co.uk we will, at all times respect the confidentiality of any personal data. We are committed to processing data in accordance with the GDPR.

2. We will ensure processing of data is lawful, fair and transparent.

3. We will take reasonable steps to ensure the data we collect is correct and up-to-date.

4. We won't keep personal data longer than necessary to fulfil our contract with you and our legal obligations.

5. We store all personal data securely.

6. You may request, and we will supply (within 28 days) what information we hold about you.

• We may process your contact details to produce invoices and to search for information. We store some of these details to meet our obligations to HMRC and for accounting & tax purposes.
• We will not pass on your information to ANY third parties unless there is a legal requirement to do so (e.g. disclosure to the Police) unless you give us direct consent.
• We will never contact you for marketing purposes or any similar activity without your direct consent.
• If you want to know what data we hold about you, just ask. We are happy to help.
• If we have hold any data incorrect or contains any errors let us know and we will correct it.
• If you want us to delete the information we hold about you, so long as we can legally do so, we will do so.

Click here to view our detailed privacy policy

CONTACT

BOOK

I would like to extend an invitation for you to continue visiting my website for regular updates on my book. The book explores the life of a Victorian lady and the numerous challenges she encountered during a period of significant societal transformations. Take into account the sacrifices she made and the hardships she endured throughout her life while living in a rural county, especially during the most influential, transformative, and demanding years that England experienced. The book chronicles her life from 1856 to 1935, during which she witnessed significant events such as the reigns of five monarchs, the establishment of policing and compulsory education, the introduction of electricity, the First World War, and numerous other notable firsts for the country. In addition to this a book is currently being published for charity which includes case studies from two local pauper graveyards.

IN THE NEWS

After successfully locating 302 previously lost records of the identities of paupers buried in the Pauper Burial Grave in Onehouse Stow, I conducted detailed case studies on several of them breathing life back into their stories. These comprehensive findings were then presented to the Parish Council. With the collaboration and support of local councillors, they managed to raise sufficient funds to commemorate these findings with a monument. This monument now stands as a testament to the lives and stories of those who were once forgotten, ensuring their memories are preserved for future generations.