Who am I?

I have always been interested in family history. As a child my parents were amazed to find me drawing up family trees and constructing imaginary families. From childhood also I have had a strong interest in all types of history, both written and unwritten - from geology, through archaeology, to family and local history. It was while I was at University that I was first introduced to historical documents. My final year thesis involved the use of 16th and 17th century documents. After leaving University I started to trace my own ancestry and, after a spell working for the Archaeology Unit in Northamptonshire, where during my spare time I transcribed several parish registers, I moved to Kent and took up professional family history research. Between 1983 and 1986 I took the three-year Diploma in (Kent) Local History at the University here in Canterbury, achieving a Distinction for my final year dissertation on a local history topic.

I have been researching in Kent since 1978 and over the course of more than 24 years I have built up a great deal of experience of Kent local and family history research sources and research methods which are peculiarly useful when working with Kent records. We are fortunate in Kent in that there is very good survival of the basic genealogical source material - and plenty of material to fill in biographical details as well.

Gillian Rickard at work

I cover all types and periods of records, including those in Latin and can provide transcriptions and translations of both Latin and English documents of any period. I am happy to undertake research at all the record repositories and libraries in the county. When a family line is traced out of Kent, I can still proceed with the research by using local agents but direct the research myself.

My hourly rate for research is £20.00, which includes expenses except postage and the cost of any certificates or photocopies obtained. I have no minimum charge and accept commissions both small and large, from the search for a specific event to a full family history. For the latter I find it best to work in stages, the length of which are agreed in advance with the client, reporting my progress and including suggestions for further work at the end of each stage. On receipt of a commission I aim to have my first report ready within 2-6 weeks, depending on the nature and complexity of the research required.

I also offer a consultancy service to those tracing their own family history, perhaps to those who need a little advice on local sources or who have got 'stuck' and need some suggestions as to what to try next. My hourly rate for this service is the same as for my research service above.

What follows is a selection of genuine unsolicited comments on my services which I have received from current and past clients. Copies of any of these testimonials can be sent on request.

"If anything ever happened to your Settlement and Removal Index, it would be the biggest disaster since the Commonwealth Gap". P.E., Kent, England.

"Thank you so much for all the information that arrived today. It is far more than I had expected and I do appreciate the amount of thought and work that has gone into it". B.T., Cheshire, England.

"I count myself as extremely fortunate to have acquired your services - each package you send is eagerly awaited. Once again, I'm delighted with your thorough, highly professional search." I.P., Oxford, England.

"First may I complement you, not only on your thoroughness, but on how you set out the facts in such an interesting manner. I was totally delighted with your letter". E.M., Queensland, Australia.

"Miss Rickard, that was one very fine piece of sleuthing. I have to tell you, I'd almost given up on your ever finding the elusive John Henry, but persistence, knowledge, patience and skill eventually paid off." B.W., Ontario, Canada.

"What your research is uncovering I find fascinating and it is definitely achieving what I wanted, and that is to further my knowledge of my ancestors' lives." J.G., Western Australia.

"I'm extremely pleased that I wrote to you and even more pleased - if that is possible - with your results... The certificates, postcard, telephone pages all add to a thoroughly professional research." B.,C., Rorotua, New Zealand.

"You have spoiled me; your work is now my benchmark when evaluating others. I value your thoughtful, considered, thorough approach." S.C., Massachusetts, U.S.A.

"Your commitment to your clients' interests in truly impressive." V.V., Surrey, England.

Contact information:
Miss G.Rickard
99 Strangers Lane
Canterbury, Kent CT1 3XN
England

Email: GRickard@kentgen.com.

© Copyright 2000 - 2010 Gillian Rickard

Web site design and production by Steve Carter

Updated February 2010