As each family history is unique it is difficult to predict exact costs. Tracing a family who stayed in the same village for generation after generation would for example take far less time than tracing a family who lived in an urban area, or who moved about the country. We therefore charge by the hour and suggest that you choose a budget that you would like us to work to, so that you remain in control of how much you are spending.
We can offer research from one hour using online resources (minimum period, for example if you just have a few baptism or marriage entries that you would like checking) to a full family history. If you have a specific problem/project, please contact us so that we can give you an estimate of likely costs. A minimum period of approximately five hours research may apply for research at Archives.
Our current rates are £16 per hour plus expenses (until the end of 2024). From 1st January 2025, £18 per hour plus expenses for most research. £20 per hour plus expenses for pre-parish register sources and manorial records.
Expenses will vary according to the type and area of research. You may need to budget for:
Birth/marriage/death certificates- £12.50 each* or £8* for PDF, £3* for a digital image of birth and death documents from the General Register Office (subject to availability).
Copies/printouts- around 50/60p per page* (of census returns, parish registry entries, local wills etc.). Digital copies can be applied free of charge. Photographs of documents can also be obtained; please ask for details of costs.
Downloads/copies of wills after 1858 (from the National Probate Registry)- £1.50 per will*.
Travel/postage costs- please ask for details.
A small deposit is payable before the start of research. Payment may be made by cheque or bank transfer. We regret that we are unable to accept payment by credit or debit card.
* Prices correct as of July 2024. Prices may fluctuate due to circumstances beyond our control.