About Me

My name is Hilary Waller and I am a Professional Genealogist based in the south of England but happy and able to research people across the UK. I also enjoy researching areas where I have lived, including London, Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Devon and have covered Scottish records as part of my professional training. I have experience of providing the documentation required to make a Bona Vacantia (Unclaimed Estates) Application.

After many years of amateur family history research, I completed a 2 year Post Graduate Certificate course in Genealogy, Paleography and Heraldry with the University of Strathclyde.

This course is virtually unique in the UK, being at Post Graduate level but taught entirely online. I am therefore exceptionally well placed to carry out research using digitised records and can access many online sources that a client might not be aware of. I can also use traditional record repositories such as local Archive Offices, if required (but only when Covid restrictions allow).

My earlier career was spent in General Management and Human Resources and I have an MSc in Personnel Management. I also have a WSET Level 3 qualification in Wines and, with my husband, used to run our own business growing grapes and making English sparkling wine in the South-West of England. Since becoming a professional researcher, enjoying wines from around the world has taken over from Genealogy as my main hobby. 

I am an AGRA Associate and a member of the Berkshire Family History Society.

Budding Genealogists

Rainbows & Girl Guides

For younger enthusiasts who are members of the Girl Guiding Association then why not try for a Rainbows Family Tree badge or a Rangers Genealogy badge?

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Alternatively you can plan a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme to learn new Skills in either Genealogy or Heraldry.

Future Learn: Strathclyde

Another excellent way to test your level of interest is a free MOOC course developed by my old university, Strathclyde, in partnership with Future Learn which I can highly recommend.

You may also find some forms originally designed by the BBC useful for recording your research.