Genealogy & Family History Research
Find out about your Family History
Professional, Personal Research. Telling your story.
Even with over 25 years' experience, I know there is always more to learn about this fascinating subject.
All of our stories are as unique as our ancestors and their lives.
Professional Family History Research
I am Marilyn Clark, a professional Genealogist and Family History Researcher based on the West Sussex and Hampshire border, with over 25 years' experience helping clients to uncover the histories and stories behind their ancestors.
My passion is finding the hidden stories and social contexts surrounding the bare facts - your family's history is so much more than just a list of names. I have extensive knowledge of where to look for the records that reveal the people and lives behind your family tree, which is the starting point, not the end result.
Research.
The starting point is your knowledge and you will need to tell me everything you know. Family stories are helpful, even if you're not sure it is accurate. It can lead to uncovering the "story". There are several ways you can choose to do this.
By the hour. - You can commission a number of hours. A minimum of five is suggested. This may be useful if you would like information, say, for one particular person.
A "starter" package. - This will begin with a grandparent and work backwards. It will give you the line of your chosen person. Births, marriages, deaths, occupations and locations and census information. Sibling's birth details will be found. A direct A4 tree is included. Presented in a spine binder on quality paper.
One surname package. - This will trace one family name and will contain much more detail as found. This research will give you the story of you family. Presented in a faux leather binder with a title of your choice. A tree for each generation is included.
Two surname package. -This will trace both family names and will contain much more detail as found. This research will give you the story of you family. Presented in a faux leather binder with a title of your choice. A tree for each generation is included.
The choice is yours.
The result
You'll get a binder with your family tree that tells your story in chapters - one for each generation. Alongside every chapter any supporting documents for that ancestor are reproduced, including census copies, parish records, military service records, newspaper articles, probate, criminal records and other sources.
How does it work?
We need to talk.
The first step is always talking so that we can agree the objectives and scope. This initial consultation is always free and without obligation - I know that it's important for you to feel comfortable about the research, who's doing it and how it is carried out.
Presentation Pack
Here's an example from my own surname detailing my great, great, great grandfather, including his attestation as a Marine in 1812, details of his service including the Battle of San Sebastian in 1813 and the ships he served on in a career that spanned 27 years and 24 days.
What our clients say
Here are some of the latest reviews from my previous research projects and requests.
The first question usually asked is about the cost.
My hourly charge for general research is £20 + expenses.
When commissioning a package the hourly rate is reduced to £17.00 an hour. The expenses of the commission are included in the package price.
Starter project - £300.00
This project begins from a grandparent and completes with your 3 x great grandparent. Each chapter for your ancestor will concentrate on the occupation, marriage or marriages, the names and years of birth of any children, and the places where they lived. All supporting documents will follow the chapter of each person. A single A 4 tree is included. Presented on a quality paper and presented in a spine binder. 15 hours are allocated.
One Surname - £480
Up to 25 hours of genealogy research, covering your chosen surname from yourself and back to your great, great, great grandparent in the late 1700's or early 1800's. Normally it takes two to three weeks.
Two Surnames - £900
Up to 50 hours of research. covering your chosen surnames from yourself back to your great, great, great grandfather and your mother's family line to her great, great grandfather. Normally it takes four to five weeks.
Please see my packages and services page for more details.
