Family history research is one of our most popular internet hobbies – millions of people all around the world are now researching their ancestry, visiting record offices and libraries and using a variety of family history websites. But not everyone has the time to do the research – and that’s where Lifelines Research comes in. With nearly 40 years experience of researching UK family histories, we are here to help you. Visit our Research page to commission research and to find out more …
Our senior researcher, Dave Annal, is a popular lecturer and is well-known on the family history circuit. In 2019 he was awarded a Fellowship of the Society of Genealogists and in 2022 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He regularly gives talks on a wide range of family history topics. Visit our Talks page to book a talk and to find out more …
Dave Annal is also a respected and successful author. He has written a number of family history books and is a regular contributor to Family Tree magazine. Visit our Publications page to buy one of Dave’s books and to find out more …
NEW! Visit the Lifelines Research YouTube Channel to view all episodes of the Setting The Record Straight vlog.
Lifelines Research 
Please excuse me contacting you via this method, but I don’t have a YouTube channel and therefore can’t comment there. I have just been watching No. 21 of your video series. I have no problem with creating digital copies of the probate documents; but what I can’t understand about this, is why the originals can’t be sent to TNA afterwards to be stored in their vaults.
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I think that’s exactly what should happen. Of course, the National Archives doesn’t have unlimited storage space but I would argue that these documents require permanent physical storage and it’s the job of the government to work out how to do that. And destroying them is not the answer!
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Thank you for that. I am also wondering if it is worthwhile to draw attention to the recent hacking of the British Library. This has been going on for weeks now, with no indication of when a normal service will be resumed. It does demonstrate that relying on digital records is fraught with difficulties and may be found to be very foolish in the longer term.
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I sent Dave some information and asked if he would be able to trace the person. A prompt reply said yes, and that he would be back in touch within 2 weeks. He was, with not only the information I wanted, but also about this person’s life and eventual burial. Copies of all relevant documents he used were included, together with a report that also explained how he went about solving the problem, an extra bonus. This is the most satisfying £* I have spent for the best part of some time and I would certainly recommend Dave, and use his services again. If you want gold standard, then he is your man. Thanks a lot, Dave.
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I attended a talk given by Dave Annal recently at the BEFHS. The talk was excellent, informative,and interesting and made one think about.
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Dave’s excellent and thorough work has given my nan insight into her family tree that she had never known up until now. The beautiful book and information inside left her overwhelmed and she has read it from front to back several times!
Proof that it’s never too late for life-changing information like this to come your way.
Professional, comprehensive and fantastic on the communication side of things, too.
Thankyou so much.
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Dave I attended your input at the Letchworth settlement last night and despite considering myself an intermediate I still learnt a few things – thank you. I am keen to attend your new input that previewed at Roots Tech.
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Dave did an outstanding job for us. It’s not always easy to have research done of UK records from Australia but he was diligent and efficient with great attention to detail. He also kept us fully informed of costs as he went along. Highly recommended.
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DAVE HAS DONE A FANTASTIC JOB. ABSOLUTELY FIRST CLASS.HE WAS MOST HELPFUL AND VERY PROFESSIONAL. I GOT THE INFORMATION I REQUIRED FROM HIM AND HE HAS KEPT ME WELL INFORMED OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HIS RESEARCH. THANK YOU SO MUCH DAVE.
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David did an absolutely first-class job in locating all the information I required to proceed with an overseas citizenship application. He kept me fully apprised of cost and time factors at all times, which was a primary concern of mine. I can’t recommend him highly enough. Many thanks again, Sholto
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