Our Family History Research Team
Our research staff work as a team to achieve the best results for
our clients. All have undertaken extensive postgraduate studies at The Institute of Heraldic and
Genealogical Studies, the recognised international body for
examinations and qualifications in family history.
CHRISTOPHER SCHOFIELD
 A graduate in History and Philosophy from Southampton University, Chris studied at the Institute, gaining his Diploma, and Licentiateship in Heraldy and genealogy. He was born in Washington D.C. of Yorkshire parentage, Chris, the research director of
the firm, is a familiar figure in the London search rooms where his
knowledge of the 19 th century censuses is unparalleled. A
professional genealogist of more than 25 years' standing, Chris is a
lecturer on genealogy for London University. A former keen student of
social history, Chris also specialises in palaeography — the reading of
old documents.
JEREMY PALMER
 A
former soldier, professional family historian Jeremy Palmer from Lincolnshire, graduate in History from Kent University. An expert in naval history, Jeremy's other
specialist fields of interest include house histories and the tracing
of natural parents of adopted children. He has written for
genealogical publications including Family History and Family History Monthly.
Jeremy is also now our Australian research expert.
CECIL HUMPHERY-SMITH
 With a wide and varied experience of studying British ancestry in the UK, throughout Europe and overseas over more than 60 years, Cecil Humphery-Smith is our Heraldry Expert and a leading expert in the field of genealogy, being rewarded with an OBE in 2004 for his services to the subject. He founded The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies, taking it to Northgate, Canterbury in 1961.
JOANNA GUARIGLIA
 Having graduated from Bristol University with a joint honours degree in History and Art History Joanna undertook her post-graduate studies at the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. Nearly twenty seven years later she is now one of the world’s foremost experts on the records of General Registration; births, marriage and deaths from 1837. Naturally she makes use of all modern technological aids which Achievements has at its fingertips but very frequently finds that the only solution to make a breakthrough is old-fashioned meticulous research in the quarterly indexes. Joanna is an expert in theatrical family histories.
ELIZABETH KERRY
 Elizabeth Kerry is our newest member of staff. She has been researching her own family history for many years and is especially interested in East Anglian genealogy. She has a History degree from the University of Kent, together with our Certificate in Genealogy and is currently working towards a postgraduate Diploma with the Institute.
EMMA MORGAN
 Emma Morgan graduated from Canterbury Christchurch University, with a 2:1 in history. She has also worked at the Cathedral Archives. She is especially interested in the social/economic side of our ancestors' day to day lives; their working conditions, longevity- or otherwise. She has recently gained our Certificate in Genealogy and is currently working towards our postgraduate Diploma examination.
RICHARD BAKER
 Our heraldry consultant and expert, Dr Richard Baker, has for years been one of the top authorities in the subject and helps with our close liaison with the Royal College of Arms. He can decipher the smallest signet ring or identify ancient coats of arms, which often leads to magnificent pedigrees and manuscript far beyond the scope of the internet. His Phd from Imperial College London in the field of biochemistry and genetics led him to the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies where he has undertaken research concerning genetic diseases. Dr. Baker has also recently become Principal of the Institute.
SARAH BULSON
 Wiltshire born Sarah Bulson is our resident Library and internet expert. She obtained her bachelors degree in History before completing her Masters in Library and related I.T. studies at University College, London. As the Librarian of the Institute she and her team of volunteers are at the disposal of the research team to unlock all those obscure sources that modern internet indexes fail to reach.
SHELLEY WEBBER
 Shelley is our Family Tree Diagram and Pedigree specialist, typing all pedigree charts which are plotted on specialist architect software which allows for even very large pedigrees to be drawn up and printed up to A0 paper size. Shelley has also recently become the Registrar of The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies.
JUDITH BATCHELOR
 Having graduated from reading History at Leicester, Kent-born Genealogy Research expert Judith is both an Achievements Researcher and
lecturer for The Institute of
Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. Judith's specialist interests
cover many aspects of American history, including those migrating to
the USA from Eastern Europe. She is also a leading researcher in the
study of tracing missing persons. Judith has contributed a number of
articles to The Institute's journal, Family History. She is currently in charge of operations in America since moving there this year although she regularly returns to Britain.
DOMINIQUE HAWKINS and TOM MEEK
  Our artists, Dominique and Tom, produce the most stunning artwork including hand-scrivened pedigrees, grants of arms and beautiful coats of arms and surname histories
Support Staff
  Our most important staff who keep our wheels turning include Frances our receptionist, Sylvie and Hilary our typists and Valerie our book-keeper.
 
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