Genealogy

We offer a comprehensive genealogical research service, either investigating a family history in depth, or acting as consultants.

A genealogical search in England or Wales will usually begin using resources available at the Family Records Centre which, with luck, can trace a family back to the early 19th century.

Earlier research is dependent on parish records - baptisms, marriages and burials - which are held in the area where the events took place, usually at a record office administered by a Local Authority. Other resources, including Wills and Monumental Inscriptions are often available at these repositories, or can be accessed through a local Family History Society.

Such a search can become complicated and difficult, but we have the experience to assess the possible ways in which a search can progress, and to achieve results.

We regularly find that our experience at the National Archives becomes relevant to a family history search. If an ancestor has been located in a census return, or on a certificate, and is engaged in some form of military or government service, it is possible that information about his career, origins, and family can be found in the archives of the relevant government department.

This can provide an interesting historical perspective on an individual's life, and may also confirm his date and place of birth, those of his wife and children, or details of his parents, all of which can facilitate further genealogical research.

If you think we can help with your research project, please visit our Commission page. For more information about the research we perform at archives less concerned with genealogical sources, please visit our Historical Research page. For recent news in the area of genealogy, visit our What's New page.