Fun Things to Do

Driven by the TV programme Who Do You Think You or Heir Hunters there are a huge number of people have felt the urge to explore their roots and build their family tree.

But how does one go about this?

Logically the first step is to talk to relatives, gather information from old photographs, letters or family keepsakes. From what you know you can then sketch a family tree and this will then form the basis of your research plan.

For a budding family historian or genealogist (genealogy is the study of family trees and pedigrees), there are basic building blocks that will unlock the past.

Birth, Marriage and Death records.

In the UK such records have been recorded by the state since 1837; a search of these records will provide evidence of relationships and methodically the tree can be traced back generation by generation.

Census Returns

Another essential source of information is the collection of census returns which have been completed by all UK households since 1841. These are incredibly important resources as they provide details of family groups, ages, occupations and abodes.

Church Records can help

Church registers or religious records will allow you to work back before 1837.

Building Your Family Tree

A combination of these basic records should allow you to create the branches of your family tree but without any research background or knowledge the beginner may feel daunted at first but fear not! In fact researching has never been easier with the development of internet resources.

There are many free and subscription websites that allow the user to search collections of family history records easily. Scanned images of records are also available and once familiar with basics of any website it is relatively easy to research your family tree.

Online or in person

Of course not all records are available online and as you progress in your search you will probably need to visit an archives or record office. The main repository of material useful to a family historian is the National Archives in Kew. It is highly likely that there is material relating to an ancestor somewhere at the National Archives.

The collections include information regarding the armed forces, merchant navy, wills and probate, tax, courts, information inherited from government departments, immigration and much more besides. There are also very useful research guides and tutorials on the National Archives website.

At a local level the most obvious point of call will be the local record office or the local studies centre where local records relating to our ancestors past can be researched and inspected.

Calling in the experts

As a budding genealogist you may be wondering how hiring a paid researcher would help? In truth no job is ever the same but there are really four areas of assistance available to a client;

1. No time and/or desire to research so will pay for a family tree.

2. Work in a collaborative with guidance and validation provided by the professional.

3. Stuck on a particular part of the tree or ancestor and requires help in resolving the problem.

4. Unable to visit a particular archive and will hire a researcher to inspect and copy records on their behalf.

Where to go for expert help

Poole’s Family Research was set up in 2008 and since that time has assisted a multitude of clients, all with different needs and from all over the globe. Each project has been equally absorbing and satisfying for researcher and clients. We can provide family tree research, research assistance and visit archives on your behalf.

A full investigation back to the early 1800’s will include a beautifully presented family tree, the cost of all certificates and a full report set out as a family narrative and placing the family history within the context of social and political history.

Family lineage can be traced back in the 16th, 18th and 17th century but this will incur further research time and outlay.

Working with you

I particularly enjoy working alongside a client providing ad hoc assistance, tutorials or evidence validation. This can be done face to face at home or at a particular archive, via webcam (Skype, Messengers etc) or email dialogue. Initial consultation incurs no fee

Poole’s Family Research always welcomes enquiries; advice, guidance and quotations are provided as part of a no fee consultation.

So why not have a go?

You will find that the quest for your ancestors will be in parts fascinating, educational, emotional, frustrating and fulfilling.

For information about fees etc:

www.poolesfamilyresearch.co.uk

House History

Pooles Family Research also provide a service investigating the history of your house.  See their website for for information.