Research Priorities

Our main priority will be to trace your ancestors as far back as we can, in the time allowed. Therefore, if you have other priorities, or areas of your family history that you would like to explore, please let us know when placing your order. Please note that we do not always obtain death certificates for each ancestor. We will not research recent generations, unless you ask us to do so. However, we can include details of current generations on the family tree, from information you provide.

What we provide

Whichever ancestry research programme you choose, at the end of it you will receive:

• a bound report that describes and analyses the ancestry research in full detail. (PDF copies can also be supplied.)
• an individually designed family tree (usually A3 in size)
• copies of documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates, and census returns
• a full list of the sources that we have used
• advice on further research possibilities

How long will it take?

What we need from you

Have we already traced your ancestry back as far as we can, or as far as you want us to? Would you like everything to be drawn together into a single, lasting book that you can hand down to future generations? If so, we should be delighted to write your Family Biography. In other words, we can create a detailed, illustrated history of your family from the earliest known generation up to the present. Our Ancestry Research reports describe our research, but a Family Biography sets out your family’s story, in chronological order. This is where your genealogy will really come to life.

Creating your Family Biography

As part of our Family Biography service we usually carry out some additional genealogy research to fill in any gaps in the story and to tie up loose ends. Then, we will

• interweave your family history with some historical and geographical background, so that your ancestors are seen in their historical and local context.
• include as much information as you want about recent generations.
• illustrate the book, for example with maps, photographs and documents.

The final format

This is a highly individual service, and the choice of final format will be yours. The final version can be produced in our standard format, or we can arrange to have it bound or printed in as many copies as you like. Costs are quoted on an individual basis.

For further information on our Family Biographies service please email us at info@debrettancestry.co.uk or call us on 01962 841904.

Debrett’s pedigree charts (family trees) are unique, since we use our own in-house design procedure to create an attractive and detailed summary of your genealogy. In most cases, we provide one or more of these genealogical charts with each programme of ancestry research. These charts will usually combine the information you provide with what we discover.

Larger Pedigree Charts

We can also create pedigree charts (family trees) from your own information alone, and we are experienced in the layout of complex family pedigrees. For instance, some family trees might be best presented as a booklet of A3 pages. Others can be displayed on a single page, suitable for framing. Our printers can create beautiful, high-quality charts on acid-free paper from A3 up to A0 in size. Alternatively, we can supply the artwork electronically as a PDF. Every family tree is different, and for that reason we charge for this service on an individual basis.

Free quotations

For an obligation-free quotation and layout advice for your pedigree chart (family tree), please send us a copy of the exact information you wish to be shown. Debrett Ancestry Research Ltd, PO Box 379, Winchester, SO23 9YQ, United Kingdom. Email: info@debrettancestry.co.uk.