Family Detective

One of our Researchers found reference to an interesting job title today. William Vincent worked as a Stevedore in the Bristol area in the 1920s.

This unusual occupation comes from the Spanish word, estibador, or the Portugeuse, estivador, meaning, "a man who stuffs". In this instance it refers to a man who loads or unloads cargo at a dock.

Some customers have reported problems receiving their Surname Searches and we've discovered that they've got stuck in certain ISP's spam filters. If you're one of the many people who've requested a Surname Search and haven't received it within 24 hours, please let us know, and we'll send it again. You can email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our Researchers have been tasked to find out about some unusual surnames thanks to our FREE surname Search facility. Today we're looking at Audritt, Walpole and Doderer.

Christmas comes early at Family Detective and we have already had a huge response to our Christmas advertising campaign. If your phonecall is not answered straight away, please be patient -- we really do want to hear from you!

One of our own Researchers was astounded to see the similarity between her own son, aged 5, and her uncle at the same age. Sometimes finding out about our roots can help make sense of the present.

There is still time to commission your family history for Christmas. 

Please add the words "Christmas gift" to the details box on your enquiry form so that we can make sure it's ready in time.

Alternatively, you can order a gift certificate at any time of the year and the lucky recipient can be part of the adventure as we uncover their family history!

This came from a client today:

"My family history came yesterday, I am so pleased with it, I cried it was that good. I just can't wait to give it to my mum and dad for their anniversary, (I don't  think I can wait till then am so excited!!)  Once again thank you so much. I will be handing your card to everyone to get them to have their's done. Every year I may get them another chapter done!"

Christmas comes early at Family Detective and we have already had a huge response to our Christmas advertising campaign. If your phonecall is not answered straight away, please be patient -- we really do want to hear from you!

This month we discovered for a client that all her ancestors could be traced back to Ireland within only 4 generations.

Today we found a Jack Spratt, born about 1878 in Woolwich, Kent, England.