Devon Origins

Devon Origins: Genealogy Services

Welcome to Devon Origins

I am a family historian based in South Devon. I have 25 years experience of genealogical research, having traced branches of my own family and those of colleagues and friends. I have researched families as far afield as India and South Africa. I have studied history and social sciences to degree level, and have been trained in research methods, so you may be assured that my findings will be backed up by rigorous checking of the evidence. My knowledge of local and national social, economic and political history enables me to set your ancestors’ lives in context and provide some flesh to the bones.

I am able to research your family using local and national records as well as Internet sources.

I am able to visit the following repositories in South West England:

DEVON RECORD OFFICE Exeter (30 mins away)
WESTCOUNTRY STUDIES LIBRARY Exeter (30 mins away)
PLYMOUTH LOCAL STUDIES LIBRARY (1 hour away)
PLYMOUTH AND WEST DEVON RECORD OFFICE (1 hour away)
SOMERSET RECORD OFFICE Taunton (1 hour away)
SOMERSET STUDIES LIBRARY Taunton (1 hour away)
DORSET HISTORY CENTRE (1 hour 30 mins away)
NORTH DEVON RECORD OFFICE Barnstaple (1 hour 30 mins away)

Hourly rate: £15. Minimum charge of £50 for visits to repositories over an hour's drive away.


I am also able to visit places in the local area, and take photographs.

You may only require some initial advice, or perhaps a fresh pair of eyes to review what you have already done. Maybe you would like me to research one particular branch of your tree. Or tackle a particular “brick wall”. Whatever your needs, we can discuss and agree a plan of action. Family history is unpredictable, so I will keep in touch, and let you know if I think a change of direction is needed.

The initial consultation is free, and includes a preliminary assessment of the work to be undertaken, and an estimate of cost. For larger pieces of research I will ask for a payment of £60, and let you know when that limit is reached, so that you can decide whether or not to continue the research. I will provide updates as we progress and a full report of my findings once the work has been completed.