I'm Kylie Brown, Your Trusted Genealogist
A lifelong passion for uncovering family history & mystery
My path into genealogy began with researching my own family history, tracing ancestors whose lives spanned both Australia and the United Kingdom. What started as personal curiosity grew into decades of dedicated research and professional work helping others explore their heritage. Today, I combine careful historical investigation with a genuine passion for storytelling to work alongside individuals and families to piece together their own pasts and reveal the lives behind the names recorded in history.
Learn More About My ServiceWhat You Can Expect From Me
Professional genealogy research grounded in care
Every family history project deserves care, accuracy, and respect for the people whose stories are being uncovered. The way I approach my work is shaped by a set of guiding principles that ensure every project is handled passionately, thoughtfully, transparently, and with the highest professional standards.
Your family history project is just as important to me as it is to you. Your family’s story matters and finding it, really finding it - not just uncovering the names and dates but understanding the lives behind them - is what drives everything I do. You can expect the following principles to guide every project I am a part of.
Quality
Every research package is undertaken with the utmost care and is presented as a beautifully hand-bound book, individually crafted to a high standard of traditional bookbinding. I believe family history should be preserved in a form that can be treasured, shared, and passed down through generations.
Transparency
I believe in complete transparency throughout the research process. Findings are always explained clearly, including what records were searched, what was discovered, and where searches proved to be unsuccessful. Pricing is always agreed in advance, ensuring there are no hidden costs.
Expertise
With more than thirty years of genealogy research experience across the United Kingdom and Australia, I bring a specialist depth of knowledge that is genuinely rare. I only undertake work within my expertise and always communicate clearly about the scope and limitations of each project.
Integrity
Genealogy is about more than simply collecting names and dates. Anyone can do this. I aim to understand the lives behind the records; the challenges they faced, the communities they lived in, and the journeys they made. These stories are what make family history truly meaningful.
Bespoke Bookbinding
Treasured moments captured authentically
Every research package I produce is collected as a hardcover book, crafted and bound individually by hand and made to last. The books are bound using traditional techniques, with hand-sewn pages before being cased in a hardcover, wrapped with Arbelave Library Buckram - a classic, durable bookbinding cloth - in an elegant rich, deep green that feels both classic and refined. The cover is finished with gold foil lettering bearing your family name. Each book includes a ribbon bookmark and headband, chosen to complement the cover cloth and the size of the book. Inside, the pages are printed on premium short grain paper, specially chosen for bookbinding. No outsourcing, no factory production. A completely hand-made, hand-finished book that is just as unique as your family story.
See My Research PackagesFrequently Asked Questions
Helping you navigate your genealogy queries
If you're completely new to genealogy or are considering professional support, you'll likely have a few questions. Here you'll find some answers to my most common enquiries about my services, research process, and what to expect when exploring your family history.
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How long does research take?
Research packages are usually completed within twelve weeks after I receive your completed client research form, though larger pedigree packages may take up to twenty-six weeks. Bespoke commissions vary depending on the scope and complexity of the research. Throughout your project, I will keep you informed with regular email updates every two weeks.
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How far back can you trace my ancestors?
Most research packages trace direct ancestral lines back to the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, depending on the availability of records and the movement of your ancestors. If research reaches a genuine dead end, I will discuss options with you, which may include redirecting research to another branch or undertaking additional research under my bespoke research service, charged at an hourly rate.
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Can I include my own research or photos?
Yes! Please share everything you have. Any documents, certificates, photographs, or previous research can help guide our investigations to reduce research time and open up opportunities to explore new areas or enrich others. All existing research will be independently verified against original sources before inclusion. Each package also allows you to submit up to ten photographs for inclusion in the finished book.
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Are certificate and document costs included?
All UK research packages include the cost of civil registration certificates and postage. There are no hidden costs or unexpected additional charges to the base service. Australian based research packages may come with slightly varied additional charges depending on exchange rate costs. Please also note that copies of wills where required (and available) are subject to additional charges due to probate document fees. Should any of this be applicable to your research project, you will be consulted before any additional costs are incurred. If you are purchasing a Bespoke Research Project, commissions are charged at an hourly rate plus expenses, which means that certificate and document fees are charged separately and at cost.
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What areas do you specialise in?
I primarily specialise in Anglo-Australian family history, tracing ancestors who moved between the UK and Australia, including both free settlers and convicts. I also specialise in bespoke UK genealogical research, with dedicated experience in records from Kent, Sussex and London, as well as the history and records of Romney Marsh area. I also have a depth of knowledge in Victorian and Tasmanian history.
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What information do you need to start?
I can begin research with as little as a name, but the more information you can provide, the more effective research time can be used. Please complete your client research form as fully as possible and provide any documents, photographs or previous research. Family memories and stories are also invaluable. They won’t appear in any archive but can bring your ancestors to life in a way that records alone cannot.
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Can I purchase a gift package or voucher?
Research packages are usually completed within twelve weeks after I receive your completed client research form, though larger pedigree packages may take up to twenty-six weeks. Bespoke commissions vary depending on the scope and complexity of the research. Throughout your project, I will keep you informed with regular email updates every two weeks.
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Can I purchase extra copies of the final book?
Yes! Extra copies can be purchased and make a wonderful gift for other family members. They can be ordered alongside your original commission or at any time afterwards. Please note that the files needed to produce additional copies are retained for a minimum of six months, after which I may not be able to reproduce them. Please contact me directly for pricing details.
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Can you guarantee to find answers?
Unfortunately, no genealogist can guarantee to find every answer, as outcomes depend on the survival and availability of historical records. However it is important to understand that negative results are a valid and valuable research outcome; it is a solid, established research conclusion. Your research report will clearly explain what sources were searched, what was discovered, and how conclusions were reached.
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Can you find information about living people or assist with legal matters?
Unfortunately, no. All research is only undertaken for family history, educational, or general interest purposes. I am unable to assist with enquiries relating to living individuals, adoption cases, passport or citizenship applications, probate or inheritance matters, or legal proceedings of any kind. If you are seeking any advice regarding these matters, you will need to look for assistance elsewhere.
