About us

FOUNDER'S NOTE

How do you find the right genealogist? Sometimes location matters - you might need someone on the ground to explain the geography and naming patterns, or to access records in the local archives. But some British records are held centrally e.g. many legal, military, and occupational records are held at the National Archives in London. Many records before the mid-eighteenth century were written in Latin, so you may require someone to read these records. And Scotland has its own distinct history, systems and archives.

I'm a practising genealogist based in north-east Wiltshire. I specialise in railway research, partly at The National Archives. I set up ProGenMatch with colleagues across Britain to make it easier to find the right person for your research. Everyone in our network holds a recognised qualification or professional membership. I would trust each of them with my own family history.

Referrals are free. Just tell me a little about your project and what you're hoping to find out, and I'll put you in touch with the right person. I take care over every match. If you have questions or concerns at any point, please get in touch.

I set up ProGenMatch with colleagues across Britain to make it easier to find the right person for your research.

Gemma

A carefully selected network of genealogists

Experienced, independent professionals

Regional and specialist expertise

Recognised qualifications and professional membership*

* All members of our network belong to AGRA/ASGRA, and/or hold qualifications from IHGS, Pharos/SoG, the University of Strathclyde or equivalent professional experience.

network

Where we work

We currently cover the following regions, with more being added:

ENGLAND

Dorset

Sussex

Yorkshire

Hampshire

Tyne & Wear

Northumberland

Wiltshire

SCOTLAND

Ayrshire

Perthshire

Sutherland

Caithness

Ross & Cromarty

Inverness-shire

Stirlingshire

costs

Typical research costs

Hourly rates start from £20, depending on experience and the type of research required. You'll typically receive a written research report covering all sources consulted, findings in context, family tree diagrams where relevant, and supporting images and documents - all fully cited. Findings could also be shared as a presentation, Zoom walkthrough, narrative family history, or updated family tree; just mention your preference when discussing your project.

There is no requirement to commit to a long project. You tell us what you're comfortable spending and we'll discuss what's realistic before any work begins - try a couple of hours and see how you get on. Some genealogists also offer set packages e.g. a set fee to research one generation or a house history.

A couple of hours
(2 hours)

Checking a record or archive source
Verifying or questioning existing research
Reviewing a problem to advise on next steps

A short project
(10 hours)

Tracing one ancestral line through multiple generations
Working on a "brick wall"
Researching the history of a house or property
Focusing on a main archival collection or time period.

A more in-depth project
(20+ hours)

Researching multiple family lines
Reconstructing a family where records are missing or incomplete
Working across several record collections or time periods

Any additional costs such as document fees or travel, will always be explained in advance.

You choose how much work to commission, and only proceed if you're happy - there's no obligation.

All time quoted includes writing up findings and preparing your report.