How much does family history research cost in the UK?
The cost of family history research in the UK varies depending on the depth of research, complexity of records, and whether the work is undertaken on an hourly or fixed-price basis.
The cost of professional family history research in the UK can vary widely, depending on the scope of the work, the time involved, and the level of detail required.
Some genealogists charge on an hourly basis, with rates typically ranging from £20 to £50 per hour or more, depending on experience and specialism. Others offer fixed-price projects, where the overall cost reflects the time, research, and presentation involved in producing a completed family history.
The total cost of a project is influenced by a number of factors, including:
The depth of research required and how far back the family can be traced
The availability and accessibility of historical records
The complexity of the family line, including common surnames or geographical movement
The inclusion of additional research, such as military, maritime, or emigration history
The preparation of a written narrative and supporting documentation
In many cases, a detailed family history involves a significant amount of time. Research alone can take several weeks, particularly where records need to be carefully cross-referenced and verified. In addition, the process of writing a clear and engaging narrative, supported by documentary evidence, is an important part of the work.
For this reason, a professionally researched and written family history is often best viewed as a considered and lasting project, rather than a simple search and collection of records.
At Maddox Genealogy, a Signature Family History is offered at a fixed cost of £1,800. This reflects a carefully structured piece of work, typically carried out over a period of six to twelve weeks, depending upon the depth and complexity of the research, and presented as a detailed narrative history supported by relevant historical records.
Each project is approached individually, and while the precise scope of research will vary depending on the records available, the aim is always to produce a high-quality and meaningful account of your family’s past.
If you are considering a family history project, you are very welcome to get in touch to discuss what may be possible.
