What is document research?
Often in historical research you need a certain record or document locating and a copy obtained. Perhaps a wedding certificate or a record from an archive that’s not easy to access. Only a small proportion of archived records have been digitised. You may also have located the documents that you wish to see but are not in a position to visit the archive in person.
I have located and photographed artifacts and documents including:
- Ship’s plans
- Manuscripts
- Crewlists
- Army discharge papers
- WW2 convoy lists
- Personal letters
Why would I need your help?
I have access to and experience with many of the online family history resources available; I use them all the time. I might be able to find things that you are unable to find. Or perhaps you need somebody to physically visit an archive and obtain a copy of a document. Being in London many archives are a relatively short journey for me.
I am on the Professional Researchers lists at The National Archives and The National Maritime Museum. I’m also known at The Museum of London in Docklands. I live within walking distance of The National Maritime Museum and spend a significant amount of time there photographing documents. Many of my customers live outside the UK and this service works perfectly for them.
What’s involved?
Simply contact me and let me know what you require. I will get back to you and let you know if I can help. I will let you know the actions that I can take to fulfil your request. If you already have the document references then send those as I will quickly be able to let you know if and how they can be viewed.
What do I get?
Unlike my other services, on this occasion you won’t receive a report. Providing the document we are looking for is available then I will deliver that to you. It will either be a scan of a photocopy or, more usually, a photograph taken at an archive.
What will it cost?
As well as the cost for my time there could be incurred costs for documents. Some documents are freely available, others are not. A copy of a birth certificate from the General Register Office costs £11 as of spring 2024. By comparison a digital version of a parish record from the National Records of Scotland costs £1.50. It is free to take photographs at the National Archives but that of course requires me to take a journey and takes more time.
Header image courtesy National Records of Scotland