enquiries@relative-strangers.me.uk
Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can you go?

Using 19th and 20th century sources, it is possible for Relative Strangers to trace most families back to the early 1800s. 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. Relative Strangers recommends researching back to the early 1800s first, allowing a better assessment of the likelihood of successfully tracing back further through parish and non parochial registers.

What will I find out?

For standard Family Tree packages, Relative Strangers aim to discover when and where your ancestors were born and who they married. Research will also reveal details of their occupations and where they lived, as well as their children. Full details of births, deaths and marriage can be provided on request. Research is flexible, Relative Strangers aims to provide the information that you are interested in.

How much will this cost?

As each project is different, Relative Strangers will always provide you with an individual quote. Payment terms are a 40% deposit, payable after preliminary searches, and balance of fees on completion of research. Overseas enquiries are welcomed. Relative Strangers believes Family History should be accessible, so aims to provide a professional service at an affordable price!

Typical Prices for Popular Research Options:
  • Single Surname line traced back to early 1800s - around £90
  • Full Family Tree traced back to early 1800s - around £250
  • Mini project - £40
  • Consultation and Advice - FREE!
  • If you have a particular budget in mind, I'll do as much research as possible within that.
What if you can't find my Ancestors?

 The preliminary search Relative Strangers offers as a FREE Service 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 will only pay for the research that has been carried out successfully. (This is one reason Relative Strangers does not ask for full payment in advance)

What is the End Product?

The following are presented in a plastic A4 presentation folder:
  • A4 Family Tree(s). (Wall Charts can be provided on request)
  • Group Sheets for each family group giving details of key dates and events, addresses of the places they lived, their occupations and any children discovered during the course of the research.
  • A Research Report describing the research steps taken and sources used.
  • All original marriage, death and birth certificates, and other documents obtained during research.
  • Transcriptions of applicable census returns - research is conducted from originals (images are not provided due to Crown Copyright restrictions).
  • In Addition:
  • A GEDCOM file can be provided on request; a digital version of your family tree which can be imported into family tree software or used to obtain a large print.
How long does this take?

 Around 2 weeks per generation. Relative Strangers will keep you regularly informed about the progress of your research.

What are your Sources?
  • Standard Research is conducted from:
  • General Register Office civil records of Births, Deaths and Marriages for England and Wales (from 1837)
  • 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 Census Returns for England and Wales
  • Research can also be extended to include:
  • Anglican Parish records for England and Wales, and Bishop's Transcripts
  • Non Parochial Registers - records of Non-Conformists
  • Burials, Baptisms, Marriages
  • Scottish civil records of Birth, Death and Marriage (from 1855)
  • Scottish Old Parish Registers
  • Scottish Census Returns from 1841
  • Wills and probate records
  • Other sources on request
Relative Strangers regularly visit Records Offices, and can access parish records from around the UK.  Relative Strangers will always refer to original source documents and obtain official birth, death or marriage documents to prove your ancestry.

 
 
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