National Archives Kew Research

[SydneyAuss]

Hi everyone,

Just seeking some advice on whether the hiring of a specialised researcher is a more cost-effective way of moving forward with research for those of us who are overseas. Any experiences? or researchers that people can recommend (.e.g for colonial records) who are price effective and thorough?

I can say that I've had the odd quote from the National Archives, and have even asked them to elaborate on the holdings of particular records - and I can honestly say that the quotes for research or copying nearly knocked me off my chair lol. They also tend not to particularly elaborate on the breakdown of a record/what sort of holdings are contained within, so that one can determine what pages/parts one would like to get copies of.

I've identified some holdings of the National Archives that are of particular interest to me, most notably the following records;

Reference: WO 405
Title: The Macedonian Mule Corps in World War I

Reference: WO 405/1
Title: Notes on the corps and register of muleteers Nos: 707-13307, With introduction and records compiled by Major J P B Condon (Royal Irish Rangers) and photographs.

(These two records above are of interest, particularly since my great grandfather served in the corps in the 1st World War, I have his details, and his army/regiment number).

The files that I am most interested in relate to the registration of the population and identity cards - and the subsequent listing of the names of individuals by town/village. This makes family history research alot easier, as one has a complete listing of the inhabitants of a village/town at a particular time, in this case around the year 1956/1957. The identity cards and associated detail that the British begun registering the population in October of 1956 with are still largely used in Cyprus today (for individuals aged in their 80s and 90s at the time, it provides an invaluable estimate of when and where they were born e.g. 1869 and other relevant details).

The identity cards give the identity card number, the individual's name, sex, father's name, nationality, race, birthplace, date of birth, occupation, address and the individual's right thumb print. (I am aware of those details as I have a copy of my great grandfather's original identity card from 1956).

The following Colonial records below, will be of particular interest into research on Cyprus - it appears the rest of closed files will be made available by September 2013.

Reference: FCO 141/4327
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population and issue of identity cards.

Reference: FCO 141/3245
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population.

Reference: FCO 141/3246
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population.

Reference: FCO 141/3247
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population; registration of residents law 1957.

I can't see myself getting to London anytime soon, I'm just too busy with work. Having said that I don't want to pay the archives 5 000 pounds either. What do other researchers/visitors of the archives recommend?

Looking forward to hearing back from you all.

Regards 

Anthony

[KGarrad]

My advice would be to try to find a researcher who has specialist knowledge of the classes you are interested in.

For the past 25 years I have lived outside the UK (Isle of Man, Netherlands, now Isle of Man again) so I used an experienced Railway researcher to find any records for my Great Grandfather.
I reckon it was worth it! 

[panda40]

Hi Anthony
AGRA have a list of credited researchers on their website. These researchers have to reach a certain standard to be included on their list. The website is www.agra.org.uk

Regards panda

[SydneyAuss]

Thanks panda, kgarrad

[dawnsh]

Hi

Rootschatters in and around London who can visit the National Archives to do research are few and far between but do exist and rise to the challenge more often than not, but you may have a bit of a wait.

I would suggest that if you hire a 'professional' you would be looking to pay at least £25 (GBP) per hour minimum, and off course you may have to pay for some hours where nothing is found.  Also ask as to how they present their findings, some reports leave a lot to be desired.

If you do use AGRA or other organisations, always ask to see references or letters of recommendation from other customers as you would with any tradesman. There are some unscrupulous people out there. And having looked at the AGRA list for South East England, many of the names there do not do research for other people eg the 3 Messrs Fraser.

Dawn

[SydneyAuss]

Hi Dawn,

Sounds like a plan, will have to look into it further. I'd love to know what future releases they're planning to release for Cyprus in July and September at the TNA.

Ant

[Pejic]

I sympathise.  I had the same difficulty last year and eventually decided to have a day in London (from Bulgaria) to look up my own records.  Unfortunately it took about 3 hours to get the security stuff done but I just about found and transcribed everything I wanted (thanks to my daughter's assistance), I tried arguing them into taking a more rational view of their charging procedures, but they seem to be more concerned with getting bodies across the thresh-hold than providing information.

[gazania]

I live in Australia and my friends and I used to use a professional researcher who became well known to all of us.  This was before internet days and payment was a bit of a hurdle having to use money orders.  But she was wonderful and often went the extra bit for us.  Sadly she has now retired.

Now I can find the references but TNA will not accept my credit card.

At the moment, I have found a record where I only need the names of the plaintiffs as the outcome of the legal challenge has been published and found on e-books.  Very frustrating until I find a researcher too.  Here's hoping, Gazania

[GrahamSimons]

I've identified some holdings of the National Archives that are of particular interest to me,

Reference: FCO 141/4327
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population and issue of identity cards.

Reference: FCO 141/3245
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population.

Reference: FCO 141/3246
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population.

Reference: FCO 141/3247
Title: Cyprus: registration of the population; registration of residents law 1957.

I found a file that I thought would have personal details - ordered it up - found it was very thin and only policy matters, not about individuals. So the Cyprus ones might not be all that useful to you - or maybe they are. Some kind Rootschatter might be able to offer to order one up for you to find out what value it has.

On a second point, I have now used professionals four times and have been pleased with the service. If you PM me I can give you the London researcher I've used.