I studied Early-Modern History at the University of Sussex as a mature student, and became fascinated by social history.
Through years of researching my own family tree, I greatly increased my knowledge and passion for social
and family history, and consequently I started producing family trees for other people a few years ago.
In 2009 I completed a Masters Degree in Contemporary History, graduating with a distinction. My final dissertation involved
researching and examining the migration patterns of rural families in 19th century Sussex. I have since been
awarded a grant by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in order to fund this research to PhD level
at the University of Sussex, which I started in October 2011. However, I am still able to work part-time as a genealogist.
Over the past few years I have also carried out research for various historians, including work on Dr Chris Hare's book on the social history of Worthing,
entitled 'Through the Hard Times and the Good'. I have also worked on numerous projects for Dr June Goodfield, author of many publications,
including 'Stanmer & the Pelhams', and 'Rivers of Time'. I occasionally give talks on various topics relating to Sussex history,
and also present regular courses at Westfield Workshops for beginners to genealogy.
I am currently working on various projects of my own, including a social history of Lewes, focussing on the many long-forgotten
pubs in the town, which at one point around the turn of the 20th century totalled nearly seventy!
I believe passionately that we should not forget who our ancestors were, and the hard times many of them went through
in order for us to be where we are today.
I have lived in Sussex all my life, and have been a resident of the historic county town of Lewes for the last 20 years.
I have worked occasionally as an artist, producing and selling many pencil drawings.
I am also a keen runner, and have been an active member of Lewes Athletic Club for many years.