Bespoke Genealogy Research
Professional genealogy and family history research for clients across the UK, USA and worldwide. I help trace ancestors, build and verify family trees, solve DNA and unknown-parentage questions, investigate brick walls and uncover the stories behind historical records. I also specialise in archival research for families connected with Cumbria, historic Cumberland and Westmorland.
Family Tree Reports
Records Research
Brick Wall Breakthroughs
DNA Analysis Support
Cumbria specialist research
I have extensive hands-on experience working with Cumbria Archives and researching families across Carlisle, Brampton, Penrith, Whitehaven, Workington, Cockermouth, Kendal, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Barrow and surrounding communities.
Because older records may be organised under historic Cumberland, Westmorland, Lancashire North of the Sands or neighbouring border counties, local knowledge can make a decisive difference.
Explore Cumbria ResearchLocal expertise includes
From the research files
A client came to me hoping to uncover the origins of James Forster, a nineteenth-century bookbinder whose early life in Cumberland had remained elusive.
Research at Cumbria Archives uncovered a parish-register entry for a child born on exactly the same date and in the same place James later gave as his own — but under the surname Nelson.
What I offer
Specialist local and archival research for ancestors connected with Cumbria and its historic counties, supported by extensive experience working with Cumbria Archives.
Explore local research →Discreet, methodical evidence-building to identify biological parents or piece together adoptions both recent and historical.
Learn more →DNA analysis combined with documentary research to break through brick walls, confirm lineages, and reconstruct family networks.
Learn more →Thorough investigation of original records — from civil registrations and parish registers to wills, military files, and passenger lists.
Learn more →Stuck on an ancestor who simply vanishes? I re-evaluate evidence, reconstruct family networks, and test multiple hypotheses to find a way through.
Learn more →Research across North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand — each region's archival systems navigated with experience.
Learn more →Reports that go beyond names and dates, placing your ancestors in the social, economic, and historical world they actually lived in.
Learn more →Carefully constructed family trees built from verified records, creating a clear, accurate picture of your ancestry to share, preserve, and build upon.
Learn more →Independent verification of family lines for personal confidence or formal applications, ensuring every connection is supported by reliable evidence.
Learn more →Client stories
"Thank you for my fascinating ancestry report. It was thoughtfully put together and full of insights that really helped me feel closer to my roots. Highly recommend for anyone interested in their family history."— Joccoaa S-G., Hexham
"Brittany is amazing! She was able to track down records which proved the parentage of my mysterious great-great grandfather which I'd been struggling to conclusively track down for years. So glad I found Brittany!"— Chris B., Carlisle
"Brittany was very thorough and explained her research in a way that was exciting but clear. Her passion for genealogy shone through, highly recommend."— Rachael S., Newcastle
"From the first conversation Brittany took the time to understand what I was hoping to discover and I felt that she was just as invested as I was. Updates came regularly, and each piece of information was explained in a clear way that never felt overwhelming. Brittany was transparent about sources, honest about uncertainties, and genuinely excited about the discoveries we made. Thank you!"— Emily B., NW England
Questions & answers
Solving Your Mysteries is a research-based genealogy service that helps uncover answers about your family history using a combination of genealogical records, historical research, and, where applicable, DNA insights.
This can include identifying unknown biological relatives, building out family trees, investigating long-standing family stories, or clarifying inconsistencies in records. If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, you can always reach out.
Not necessarily. Many cases can be solved using traditional records like census data, birth and death certificates, amongst other documents. However, DNA can be incredibly helpful in cases involving unknown parentage or limited documentation.
DNA is a powerful tool, but it’s not a complete answer on its own. It can strongly indicate biological relationships, but interpretation requires careful analysis and supporting evidence.
It depends on the complexity of your case. Some answers can be found in a few days, while others may take months of research. Cases involving DNA often take longer due to processing times and the need to analyze matches thoroughly.
No, I cannot guarantee a definitive answer in every case. Some records may not exist, and DNA evidence can have limitations. What I can guarantee is a thorough and honest investigation with clear communication about what is and isn’t possible.
Confidentiality is a top priority. Your information, research findings, and any DNA data are handled with care and never shared without your explicit consent. Sensitive discoveries are communicated thoughtfully and privately.
Unexpected results are not uncommon in this kind of work. If something significant comes up, I’ll present the information carefully, explain what it means, and give you space to decide how you’d like to move forward.
As much information as you already know; this could be parents, grandparents, or, if known, great-grandparents names, dates, and locations. Even the smallest detail could prove vital.
Yes, these are some of the most common and meaningful cases I work on. They often involve a mix of DNA analysis and traditional research to identify and confirm biological connections.
You can get in touch through the contact form below with a brief overview of your situation. From there, I’ll let you know what’s possible, what the process would look like, and any next steps.
Get in touch
Fill in the form and I'll be in touch to discuss your research needs. All enquiries are welcome — no question is too small, and no tree too tangled. I am based in the UK and work with clients across the UK, US and worldwide.
🔒 Your details are kept strictly private and used only to respond to your enquiry.
How it works
You share what you already know, what you are hoping to discover, and any records or DNA results available.
I assess the evidence, identify likely record sets, and explain what may be possible before research begins.
I investigate records, family networks, DNA matches, and historical context to build a reliable conclusion.
You receive findings in a clear, sensitive report with sources, explanations, and suggested next steps.
