Family and local history is a growing hobby in the UK today. Increasingly, people want to find out about their forebears. People are interested in the places where they live and want to find out more.
There can be several reasons why it suits someone to call in a professional researcher: Advice, particular skills or local knowledge. This is where I come in as I am willing to provide a family and local history research service. Being involved with this field for over 22 years gives me the experience to help someone with such a query.
Many people are put off beginning research by lack of familiarity with libraries and record offices. I have access to all the local libraries and record offices and have built up a considerable local knowledge of the area.
The Vale of the White Horse
The Vale of the White Horse is situated between the river Thames in the north and the Berkshire Downs in the south. From west to east it extends from the Wiltshire border to Blewbury. The main towns are Abingdon Faringdon and Wantage. Between these towns are a total of approx 70 villages. Until 1974, this area was in Berkshire and now it is part of Oxfordshire. I provide a family and local history research service for this area, including the genealogy of people from and living in the Vale.
Military History
I have been involved in researching military (naval, army and air-force) topics since 1990 and have developed expertise in this field especially with research into the period 1914-1918. The topics I have undertaken include:
- Military genealogy and records of service
- Unit histories (regiments, RAF squadrons etc)
- Merchant Navy Research
- Indian Army Research
- Napoleonic French POW’s in the UK
Archive Research
I can visit the following archives on your behalf to undertake research:
The National Archives Kew www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
The British Library (India Office) www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelpregion/asia/india/indiaofficerecords/indiaofficehub.html
The London Metropolitan Archives www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-and-city-history/london-metropolitan-archives/Pages/default.aspx
The Berkshire Records Office www.berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk/
The Oxfordshire History Centre. www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/oxfordshire-history-centre
The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre www.wshc.eu/
Have you questions about family members who served in the armed forces in the past? If so, I can assist..
Charges
After an initial free assessment, I charge £19.50 per hour plus expenses. Payment is by cheque or bank transfer.
