Historical Research

Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions

What makes good historical research? Put simply, diligence, understanding and complete objectivity. That’s why I choose the projects I undertake very carefully, and ensure that I have a clearly defined objective and parameters for what I am researching.

So, if you are looking for someone to investigate a site, building, family history, event or sequence of events, or an old legend you are interested in, I can research it. I believe in incorporating information from archaeology, written history, genealogy*, geography, politics, economics as well as my own on-site observations. I also ensure that I allow for local, regional, national and international.

Finally I always make sure that any research I undertake is objective and unbiased. The key to analytical research being successful is to remove attachment to any specific ideas from the outset.

From Sherlock Holmes in “A Scandal in Bohemia” –

‘It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.’

*Please note that I am not a professional genealogist, although I do have contacts in that area should you require this service.