Need help uncovering an ancestor, solving a family history puzzle, or bringing a forgotten life back into focus? I offer bespoke genealogy research and ancestor profiles, combining historical records with social context to tell the stories behind the names.
Family history is full of people who appear without warning, disappear without explanation, marry under unexpected surnames, and generally behave as though their sole purpose in life was to cause difficulties for future researchers. If you’ve found yourself staring suspiciously at a census return, wondering why your ancestor seems to have changed their age, occupation or place of birth for the third time in ten years, you’re certainly not alone.
Whether you’re looking for an introduction to a newly discovered ancestor, a detailed account of an individual’s life, or help tackling a particularly stubborn research problem, I offer evidence-based genealogy research supported by historical records and social context.
Because family history is about far more than collecting names and dates. It’s about understanding the lives behind them.
CHOOSE YOUR RESEARCH SERVICE
A concise introduction to an ancestor’s life, bringing together key records and evidence to create a clear picture of who they were. Ideal if you’re curious about a particular family member and would like a well-researched overview of their life, family, occupation and place in history.
From £75
The people in our family trees lived fascinating, complicated and often surprising lives. An Ancestor Story combines genealogical research with social and historical context to create a detailed narrative account of an ancestor’s life, placing them within the world they inhabited and helping bring their story back into view.
From £195
Few things are more frustrating than an ancestor who appears from nowhere, disappears without explanation or changes their name halfway through a census. This focused investigation is designed to tackle a specific family history problem, exploring the available evidence, testing possible theories and uncovering new avenues for research.
From £149
Every report is rooted in the available evidence. Research findings are drawn from historical records and supported by appropriate sources wherever possible. To help bring ancestors and their stories to life, records are combined with carefully researched social and historical context, providing insight into the places, occupations and events that shaped their lives. Where evidence is incomplete, uncertain or open to interpretation, this will always be clearly explained.
WHERE SHALL WE BEGIN?
No two family history puzzles are quite the same. Whether you’re looking for information about a particular ancestor, hoping to break through a research brick wall, or simply wondering where to begin, I’d be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch by clicking the button below to make an enquiry, and I’ll discuss your requirements, recommend the most suitable research option, and provide a quotation together with details of my terms, conditions and privacy policy before any research is undertaken.
A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS
Every family history project is different, but a few questions crop up rather regularly. If you’re wondering how the process works, what records might be used, or what happens next, you may find the answer below.
Regency Relatives offers three core research services: Ancestor Snapshot, Ancestor Story and Brick Wall Investigation. I also undertake bespoke genealogy and local history research where appropriate. If you’re unsure which service best suits your needs, please get in touch and I’d be happy to discuss your project.
I don’t offer a ‘family tree in a box’ service. Family history is often far more complicated, and far more interesting, than that.
Family history research is rarely a case of simply pressing a button and producing a complete family tree. Every family is different, records vary enormously depending on time period and location, and successful research often involves evaluating evidence, resolving conflicting information, and occasionally accepting that some questions cannot be answered with certainty.
Rather than offering a “family tree package”, Regency Relatives focuses on helping clients explore specific ancestors, family stories, and research questions. This approach allows research to be tailored to the individual rather than producing a large tree that may contain information of uncertain accuracy.If you are looking to learn more about your family history, you may be interested in:
Ancestor Snapshot – a concise introduction to an individual ancestor, including key records and historical context.
Ancestor Story – a more detailed exploration of an ancestor’s life, placing them within the wider social and historical landscape of their time.
Brick Wall Research – focused investigation into a specific family history problem, mystery, or missing connection.
Research Consultation – guidance on where to begin, how to organise your research, and which records may be most useful for your particular circumstances.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, please get in touch and I would be happy to discuss your research goals.
I have been researching family history for almost twenty years and have extensive experience working with historical records, genealogical sources and social history research. Alongside my family history work, I have a postgraduate academic background and many years of professional experience in research, analysis and higher education. This has shaped an evidence-based approach to genealogy that combines careful investigation, critical evaluation of sources and clear, engaging writing. Through Regency Relatives, I regularly publish family history and social history articles that bring historical records together with the wider context of the period.
This depends on the nature of the enquiry, but any information you already have can be helpful. Names, dates, locations, family stories, photographs and copies of certificates can all provide useful starting points. Don’t worry if you have very little information; part of the process is identifying where to begin.
Unfortunately not. Family history research depends on the survival, accessibility and quality of historical records. Sometimes the records needed to answer a question simply no longer exist. However, even when a definitive answer cannot be found, research often uncovers valuable new evidence, alternative explanations and avenues for further investigation.
Research may draw upon a wide range of sources, including census returns, parish registers, civil registration records, wills, newspapers, directories, maps, military records, poor law records and other historical documents. The records consulted will depend upon the individual research question.
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the enquiry and the availability of records. An estimated timescale will be provided before any work begins. Clients will be kept informed of progress throughout the project.
The format will depend on the service commissioned. Reports may include research findings, supporting evidence, historical context, timelines, maps, images and recommendations for future research. Deliverables will be agreed before the project begins.
Research findings are presented in a clear and accessible format designed to bring historical records and family stories together.
My research services focus primarily on historical and genealogical research. Requests involving living individuals will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must comply with applicable privacy and data protection legislation.
A Brick Wall Investigation is a focused piece of research designed to address a specific family history problem. This might include uncertain parentage, missing records, surname variations, migration mysteries or conflicting evidence. The aim is to evaluate the available evidence and identify the most likely explanation or next steps.
The cost of research varies according to the complexity of the enquiry and the amount of research required. Following an initial discussion, I will provide a quotation outlining the proposed scope of work, estimated timescales and fees before any research begins.
Yes. All research undertaken by Regency Relatives is grounded in documentary evidence and supported by appropriate sources wherever possible. Historical context is drawn from reputable sources and established knowledge about the period, locality and circumstances in which an individual lived. Where evidence is incomplete or open to interpretation, this will always be clearly explained.
Yes. Reports are intended to help clients understand and preserve their family history. Please note that written reports remain the intellectual property of Regency Relatives and should not be reproduced commercially without permission.
The first step is simply to get in touch. Tell me a little about your research question and what you hope to discover. I’ll discuss the available options, provide a quotation and explain the next steps before any research begins.
