Benson Genealogy

English and Welsh Ancestry Research Service

Family Tree Research Service:

I'm a full time researcher with over six years experience, and a member of the Society of Genealogists and Association of Professional Genealogists. If you are looking for somebody to research your Family Tree, I'd be happy to provide you with a free consultation and quotation. I can research one individual, one surname, a whole family tree, or any other combination of ancestors you require! Fixed price packages are available for popular research options. I will always refer to original source documents and obtain official birth, death or marriage documents to prove your ancestry.

FAQs:

  • How Far Back can you go?
  • What if you can't find my Ancestors?
  • How long does this take?
  • What are your Sources?
  • What Will I Find Out?
  • How Much will this cost?
  • What is the End Product?
  • How do I Order?
  • How Far Back can you go?
    Using 19th and 20th century sources, it is possible to trace most families back to the early 1800s - there are of course exceptions to this - your ancestors may have been immigrants for example. Before this, some parish records exist as far back as 1538 but realistically research from parish records may take your family tree back to the late 1600s - 1700s. I would normally recommend researching back to the early 1800s first, then the likelihood of successfully tracing back further through parish and non parochial registers can be better assessed.

    What Will I Find Out?
    For Family Tree packages, I'll aim to discover when and where your direct ancestors were born, and who they married. Research will also reveal details of their occupations, and where they lived, as well as any children and siblings revealed by the censuses. Details of deaths can be provided on request. Research is flexible, and I'll aim to provide the information that you are interested in.

    A Single Surname Package, concentrates on tracing back from father to father - the paternal line - following the same surname back through the generations. It is also possible to trace mother to mother - the maternal line, following each woman's maiden name.

    An 'All Lines' Package aims to trace your 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 8 great-grandparents, 16 great-great-grandparents etc. back to around the early 1800s.

    How Much will this cost?
    Choose from one of the popular fixed price research packages, or request an individual quote. Payment terms for research packages are a 50% deposit, payable after preliminary searches, and balance of fees on completion of research. For smaller projects payment is required in advance. Overseas enquiries are welcomed. I believe that Family History should be accessible, so I aim to provide a professional service at an affordable price; why pay more for a family tree?

    Prices for Popular Research Options:

    What if you can't find my Ancestors?
    The preliminary checks that I make will ensure that enough records exist to begin your project. However if the trail does run dry, the total cost will be reduced, pro-rata, so you'll only pay for the research that has been carried out successfully. This is one reason why I do not ask for full payment in advance.



    What is the End Product?
    The following are presented in a loose sleeved A4 presentation folder:

    How long does this take?
    Large projects typically take around 3 months, but for a guide, allow around 2 weeks per generation. You'll be kept regularly informed about the progress of your research.

    What are your Sources?

    I regularly visit Records Offices, and can access parish records from around the UK. I will always refer to original source documents and obtain official birth, death or marriage documents to prove your ancestry.