Deborah Lister
Experienced Researcher, HISTORIAN & GENEALOGIST ready to unravel the hidden history of your house, family and local area in Plymouth & devon
As an experienced and knowledgeable local genealogist and historian, I provide a high-quality history research service for my clients.
I have a huge wealth of knowledge about the records held in the Plymouth Archives (now part of The Box) built-up over 22 years whilst working in the archive and 4 years as a self-employed researcher. Client research also often involves the archives in the Devon Heritage Centre, Kresen Kernow (Cornwall County archives) and other archives and libraries in the peninsula and nationally, including The National Archives at Kew.
Whatever your research need, I can help. Researching in archives and libraries is time-consuming and can be complicated. Using the services of an experienced local professional researcher can save you time, travel and money.
If you want to discover more about your family or property, or need help discovering the history of people, places or subjects in Plymouth and Devon, call me on 07914 018126 for a free consultation and quote.
Testimonials
I’ve worked with Deborah for a couple of engagements over the past two years and have been impressed with her professionalism, timeliness, and her genuine interest in my own research. I’m so grateful to her and highly recommend her research services. - Michael McLaughlin, USA
Thank you very much for sending these two images. I wouldn't have found them in time without your help. I am happy to recommend you. You responded quickly and effectively, understanding the nature of my request, and were very helpful.
Robert Guyver
'... I asked Deborah to help me with research for a book. She was methodical and thorough and identified material never before located. I recommend her for detailed research at a fair price, and she is also a very nice person to work with'.
Neil M, author, Devon
“Deborah took up the challenge of researching my family history to the end of the 17th century. Many appear to have been seamen living on the South coast of Devon and much involved in trade with North America and Newfoundland. Most of the earlier records appear to have been lost in a bombing raid on Exeter in WW2. However, she clearly searched with great determination as if my family was also hers and has added some excellent new records to my grandfather’s collection. I am very grateful and strongly recommend her.”
Michael Clapp, Devon
"Thanks for everything! Your work has had such an impact on me and how I think about the place we call home."
Michelle Oxley, Plymouth
"We asked for Debbie's help in researching specific historic information and were impressed with the speed and quality of her findings. We shall continue to use her services and recommend her to all."
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners
"Deborah Lister came highly recommended to me but she managed to exceed my expectations on every front. Not only were the results of her research spectacular on a limited budget, but her dedication and enthusiasm for discoveries were treated as if they were her own pet project. Full marks for professionalism, dedication, application, enthusiasm and results. I will never use anyone else for any research. Full marks."
Isabelle Cramer Coghill
Hatchwell Hall
Widecombe.
Got any questions? Here are some answers.
Q. How much do you charge for research?
A. I charge by the hour dependent on the nature of the research. Most of the research for my customers is at The Box or Plymouth City Libraries which are within the Plymouth City boundary. If research takes me to the Devon Heritage Centre (former Devon Record Office) or elsewhere, there might be additional travel costs which I will share with other customers where possible to keep costs down. Daily photography licences and photocopying charges payable to archives and libraries will be extra.
Q. How long will the research take and when can you start?
A. All customers want different levels of research, therefore anywhere between 1 hour and several months. Enquiries could be for example: checking one name in a register; photographing pages from a minute book; extracting information from a diary; undertaking a full in-depth research project on a 17th-century property; helping solve a family history 'brick wall. I can usually begin your research within 7 to 14 days.
Q. Do you undertake research at the Devon Heritage Centre and Kresen Kernow (Cornwall Archives and Local Studies)?
A. The simple answer is 'Yes' if your research trail takes us there. I also make occasional research trips to The National Archives at Kew as many records for Devon are kept there.
Q. Do you undertake all types of historical research?
A. Yes. Drop me an email or give me a call and we can discuss what can be achieved.
Q. What is your fee for freelance work for professional archive services?
A. £30 per hour plus travel expenses. This is specifically for archive services, organisations or private individuals who require professional services such as cataloguing, appraisal of collections, or consultancy or advisory work. This is not a fee for research services.
Q. Are you insured?
A. Yes, I have full professional indemnity insurance.
Q. Do you have relevant qualifications and experience?
A. Yes, I have a PG cert in Local and Family History and a PG Dip in Archives and Records Management, as well as over 25 years of knowledge and experience; also a passion for discovering history.
Q. I need to know some of the history of my house for a planning application/dispute. Is this something you can do?
A. Yes I can. House history, whether for official reasons or for pure curiosity, employs the same research skills and requires the use of similar archives and other sources.
Q. Can I hire someone to trace my family history?
A. Yes you can. A professional genealogist such as myself can help you trace your ancestors as far back as the records will allow. Whether you are looking for someone specific or a whole line, together we can tailor the research to your requirements and your budget. If you have a brick wall, a fresh pair of eyes may help unlock the clue to help you find an ancestor, or give suggestions as to how you might tackle the problem in a different way. With so many records online and my full subscriptions to Find My Past and Ancestry, in addition to a wide knowledge of other online sources, I can trace many ancestors wherever they were located across the UK so as not to interrupt the research trail.
Q. Is hiring a researcher worth it?
A. Absolutely. Professional researchers generally have a huge wealth of knowledge about the sources and the information contained within them, resulting in a richer result and also saving you time and money. You may also find reading the handwriting difficult to read, something which I am trained to do as a qualified archivist and experienced researcher. Research, particularly in archives, can be complicated and time-consuming. As an experienced archivist and researcher I know which sources to look at and how to interrogate online catalogues. And remember, you are in control of the time and money spent.
Interested in my research services?
contact me for a free consultation
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