Questions About Commissioning a Family History

Who is Heritage and Lineage?

Heritage and Lineage is a family-run bespoke genealogy and family history writing service. We research and write narrative-led family history books, drawing on historical records, archives, and contextual research.

Each book is created as a carefully constructed account of a family’s history, designed to be read, understood, and preserved.

What do you mean by a narrative family history?

A narrative family history brings together research and storytelling.

Rather than listing records, we shape them into a coherent account that moves through generations. Each life is placed within its historical context so that it can be understood, not simply recorded.

The result is a family history that reads as a continuous story.

 What will the finished book look like?

Can I purchase something similar online?

There are many online platforms that can help you build a family tree or generate a basic report. 

However, this work is different in nature.

We research, interpret, and write each family history as a narrative of your family story. We only accept two major commissions a year to ensure quality isn’t lost. We don’t generate it from a database or produce it using a template. We create it specifically for one family, with the utmost care and attention.

We offer a highly personal level of service, creating family histories that are individually researched, written and shaped around each family. As a family-run company, every commission is handled by the same small team: one dedicated researcher and author, with each manuscript then reviewed and refined by a professional copywriter and editor.

We become deeply invested in every family we research, approaching each project with care, curiosity and genuine commitment. Our aim is not simply to uncover names and dates, but to bring the people behind them to life and create a truly bespoke family history that can be read, shared and preserved for generations.

Why is this considered a rare service?

Because of the time, depth, and level of attention involved.

Each project requires months of research, analysis, and writing. We explore each family line individually, then carefully weave it into a single, coherent narrative.

For this reason, we undertake only a limited number of commissions each year. 

What exactly am I commissioning?

You are commissioning a piece of original work, delivered as a narrative-driven book.

This includes:

• Genealogical research using multiple sources

• Historical analysis and contextual understanding

• Narrative writing structured across generations

• A finished book designed to be read and preserved

It is not a product. It is a carefully researched and written account of your family’s history. Something that you will be proud to own.

How is the research carried out?

Some research uses established genealogical platforms such as Ancestry, Findmypast, and MyHeritage, as well as certificates from sources like GRO Online. From there, the work becomes broader.

This may involve visiting archives and libraries, consulting local history groups, speaking with knowledgeable contacts, and travelling to places connected to your family’s past. These steps build context and understanding, allowing you to place each discovery within the world your ancestors lived in.

This is not simply a search for information, but an effort to understand lives in the places they were lived.

Do you only use online records?

No.

Online platforms are a useful starting point, but they form only part of the research, and there is margin for error. Much of the work involves interpreting records, consulting additional sources, and building a broader understanding through context and experience.

How accurate is the research?

All research is based on the best available evidence at the time.

We prioritise original records wherever possible, and cross-reference findings to ensure accuracy. Where uncertainties exist, we approach them carefully and explain them in the narrative. 

What if there are gaps or missing records?

Gaps are a natural part of historical research.

When records are incomplete, we use other sources to build context and understanding. In some cases, the absence of records can itself form part of the story. However, we cannot guarantee how far we can go back. For example, some Irish records were destroyed. We will be transparent with you as soon as possible, before you pay a deposit, about how far back we can go.

Can you uncover sensitive or unexpected information?

It is possible.

Family history research can reveal aspects of the past that may not have been known or discussed. We handle all findings with care, discretion, and respect. If we find something sensitive, we will first talk with you to understand whether you would like that information included in the finished book.

How long does a project take?

Most projects take between six months and one year to complete.

The exact timeframe depends on the scope of research, the number of family lines explored, and the availability of historical records.

How much does a family history book cost?

Projects range from £5,000 to £17,000, depending on the scope of research and the depth of narrative required.

You can find more details on the Pricing page.

Why does the cost increase for multiple family lines?

Researching multiple family lines is not simply a matter of adding more information.

Each line must be traced independently, verified, and then carefully woven into a single, coherent narrative. This requires additional research, interpretation, and writing.

Can I order multiple copies of the book?

Yes. Additional copies can be produced for family members or as gifts. These are charged separately at cost price, with the exact amount depending on the binding, finish and number of copies required.

Can I be involved in the process?

Yes. We would love you to be fully involved.

You are welcome to share family stories, photographs, documents, or areas of particular interest. Some clients prefer to be closely involved, while others prefer to allow the research to unfold independently. Some clients also like regular updates, which we are happy to provide.

Will you interview family members?

If appropriate, we can arrange interviews to capture personal memories and perspectives that may not appear in historical records.

We can incorporate these into the narrative where relevant.

Will you travel as part of the research?

Where appropriate, yes.

Some archives, collections, and sources require in-person access. Visiting locations connected to your family’s past can also help us build a deeper understanding of the environment in which your ancestors lived. For example, we often attend The National Archives in London, or visit libraries and archives across the country. We’ve even visited a post office in Sussex, where we knew a member of a client’s family used to work as a postmaster and discovered all sorts of fascinating information.

What kind of discoveries do you typically make?

Each family history is different, but research may reveal:

• Migration between regions or countries
• Military service and wartime experiences
• Changes in occupation and social circumstances
• Previously unknown family connections
• Personal stories preserved in records and archives

Often, the smaller details bring the greatest understanding.

How many projects do you take on each year?

We undertake only a limited number of commissions each year. At this point, the maximum number of commissions is just two.

This ensures that each project receives the time, attention, and depth of research required.

Do you offer refunds?

Once research begins, following the free consultation phase, the initial payment is non-refundable. However, at the end of the research phase, you can cancel further work.

Why is a bespoke family history commission a significant investment?

Our commissions differ significantly from standard genealogy research.

Every project begins with careful genealogical investigation, using a range of specialist subscriptions and historical databases to establish the family line accurately. From there, the research often develops much further. Depending on the commission, this may involve ordering certificates, consulting archive material, visiting record offices or libraries, researching local and social history, and speaking with other historians or specialists where additional expertise is needed.

The work can take many months. Each discovery must be checked, cross-referenced and placed within its historical context before the writing begins.

What makes our service particularly distinctive is that we do not simply provide a family tree or research report. We use professional writing and historical interpretation to transform the evidence into a carefully structured narrative, bringing together the people, places, occupations, events and experiences that shaped your family.

We then develop the finished work into a bespoke family history book created specifically for you.

Our pricing reflects the time, specialist research, archival costs, professional writing and level of personal attention involved in producing something that is intended to become a lasting family heirloom.

No two commissions are identical, and no two finished books are the same. Each is the result of months of individual research and craftsmanship, created with care and designed to preserve your family’s story for future generations.

How do I begin?

The first step is a conversation.

You are welcome to get in touch to discuss your family history, what you hope to explore, and whether this approach is right for you. You can find the details on the Contact Page.

Any Other Questions?

If your question is not covered here, you are welcome to get in touch for further guidance.