About Me
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I am a professional genealogist, researcher, blogger and speaker. I run an historical research service based in the ancient market town of Chipping Sodbury in South Gloucestershire. I am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and I subscribe to their Code of Ethics. |
Early Years
I have been passionately interested in history since childhood - an interest first sparked by my mother, encouraged by inspirational teachers and fanned into flames by voracious reading. I began researching my own family history at the age of 14, when I sat both my grandmothers down in a sunny garden and got them to compete in telling family stories.
Education
I read History at Bristol University, specialising in 15th century England. My dissertation was a biographical study of Members of Parliament in 1450 and the ties of family and patronage which bound them. I graduated in 1975 with a First Class honours degree and a thorough grounding in historical research.
Career
I joined the Diplomatic Service and spent 10 years in a variety of jobs in the FCO and in British diplomatic missions overseas. I then transferred to the Cabinet Office, working in a succession of management and business oriented roles. I ended my career as a Director at the Civil Service College.
Family History Research
I began to research my family history in depth in 1985. Over the course of 27 years I have documented my ancestry back to the early 17th century in England and the mid 16th century in Scotland. The results can be seen on my personal family history website, Caro's Family. I have also done extensive research for family, friends and clients.
I developed my research skills the old fashioned way, studying original documents in a wide variety of archives. I have taken courses in genealogy at the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and in palaeography (the study of old handwriting) at the Hampshire Record Office.
In recent years I have developed particular expertise in the use of the internet for family history research. I very much enjoy helping those who are new to family history and solving problems for people who have reached a "brick wall" in their research. Examples of my research can be seen on the research page and in my Caro's Family Chronicles blog.
I developed my research skills the old fashioned way, studying original documents in a wide variety of archives. I have taken courses in genealogy at the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and in palaeography (the study of old handwriting) at the Hampshire Record Office.
In recent years I have developed particular expertise in the use of the internet for family history research. I very much enjoy helping those who are new to family history and solving problems for people who have reached a "brick wall" in their research. Examples of my research can be seen on the research page and in my Caro's Family Chronicles blog.
Cutty Sark Research
In 2012 I was commissioned by HSBC, corporate sponsors of the Cutty Sark, to trace living descendants of the crew and other significant people connected to the ship. My research eventually identified over 600 living descendants, 170 of whom were brought together at a reception on board Cutty Sark on 24 May 2012. Each descendant was presented with a booklet containing my biographies of their ancestors. Following on from this project, I am now writing a book on the men (and one woman) connected with the historic ship.
Genealogy Speaker
I have given talks on family history to the U3A and on genealogy software to the Hampshire Genealogy Society and the Society of Genealogists.
Genealogy Websites and Blogs
I maintain the following genealogy websites and blogs:
I have also served as Assistant Webmaster for the Society of Genealogists.
I have also served as Assistant Webmaster for the Society of Genealogists.
House History Research
In 2004 I moved to a Grade II listed house in Chipping Sodbury and started a new type of historical research. Using a wide variety of sources, plus clues from the house itself, I have pieced together its history from the 17th century to the present day. The information I have discovered has helped inform the restoration process, as well as feeding into a wider study of the historic houses in Chipping Sodbury. You can read more about my research on my blog, This Old House.
Why Choose Me?
My great grandfather was Head of the CID at Scotland Yard. I believe I have inherited the investigation gene from him. There is nothing I love more than being hot on the trail of an elusive ancestor, or grappling with a thorny research problem, gathering clues from a wide variety of sources and gradually piecing together the big picture. My government career taught me how to analyse complex problems, find practical solutions and communicate findings clearly. I combine three decades of research experience with a sound understanding of the broader historical context and an undiminished enthusiasm for my subject. If you would like me to put these skills to work on your family or house history, please contact me for more information.
