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Welcome to Cotswold Family Threads

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Discovering your family history should feel like opening a box of old letters — personal, meaningful, and full of stories waiting to be told.

At Cotswold Family Threads, I offer a thoughtful, detail-driven approach to genealogy. Whether you're just beginning to trace your roots or need help breaking down a brick wall, I’m here to help you stitch together the people, places, and paths that shaped your family story.

Based in the Cotswolds and specialising in UK ancestry, I combine traditional records research with modern DNA tools — always with care, curiosity, and a keen eye for detail. Whether you're looking for a simple tree, a custom report, or a beautifully presented family history to pass down, I’ll help you bring the past to life in a way that feels human, not just historical.

Let’s uncover your family threads — together.

About Me.

Hi, I’m Leanne — founder of Cotswold Family Threads.

 

My journey into genealogy started over ten years ago with a few old family photographs and a lot of curiosity. What began as a personal project soon turned into a deep passion — and over the years, I’ve helped many friends and local families trace their roots through traditional records and DNA research. I’ve even helped confirm surprising discoveries through careful genetic detective work!

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Before all this, I worked as a qualified accountant and business analyst for a FTSE 100 company, where I honed the research, problem-solving, and analytical skills I now use daily in family history. I’m not formally certified as a genealogist — but I bring real-world experience, methodical thinking, and a genuine love of uncovering stories that matter.

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Alongside genealogy, I also run a family business in graphic design and creative entertainment — including cold case mysteries and escape room experiences. These skills allow me to offer something a little different: beautiful, bespoke family history booklets or memory collections that are engaging, high-quality, and meaningful to share. Whether you’re gifting a family tree or preserving it for future generations, presentation matters — and I love helping bring the past to life in creative, accessible ways.

 

I’m based in Gloucestershire and specialise in Cotswold-area ancestry and UK-based research. I also offer local archive visits on clients' behalf and I can digitise or preserve your own family records and heirlooms.

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I’m also a mum of two teenagers, and if you can’t find me with my nose in a census record, I’m probably enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or brainstorming my next family history display or design!

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I believe every family has a story worth uncovering — and I’d love to help tell yours.

Services

1

​Single Surname Package
(Up to 5 Generations)

Perfect for those looking to explore one family line in depth — either your paternal or maternal surname. This package aims to trace your ancestors back to the early 1800s (and earlier if records allow), helping build a rich picture of their lives, locations, and occupations.

You can choose from two options depending on whether you'd like a full report alongside your family tree.

PRICES START FROM

£95

2

Two Surname Package
(Up to 5 Generations)

This option is perfect for those wanting to explore both sides of their family tree — tracing two surname lines, typically your father’s and mother’s lines, back to the early 1800s (and beyond if records allow).

As with all my services, you’ll receive carefully verified research based on available census records, civil registration indexes, church records, and more — building a meaningful and informative view of your ancestors’ lives.

Choose from two presentation options:

PRICES START FROM

£180

3

Full Family Tree Package
(All Lines – Up to 5 Generations)

This option is perfect for those wanting to explore both sides of their family tree — tracing two surname lines, typically your father’s and mother’s lines, back to the early 1800s (and beyond if records allow).

As with all my services, you’ll receive carefully verified research based on available census records, civil registration indexes, church records, and more — building a meaningful and informative view of your ancestors’ lives.

Choose from two presentation options:

PRICES START FROM

£650

Bespoke Research & Extras

Not every family history journey fits into a package. If you’re looking for help with a specific task or already have a tree and need expert input — I also offer flexible services tailored to your needs.

Whether it’s breaking down a brick wall, retrieving a document, or creating a beautiful keepsake from existing research, I’m happy to help.

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Bespoke Research Services

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  • Brick Wall Troubleshooting
    Stuck on a tricky ancestor? I’ll review your current tree and records, assess the evidence, and work with you to develop strategies or uncover new leads.

  • Targeted Research Projects
    Need help researching just one person, couple, or branch? I can take on small or focused research requests and provide documentation and/or a report as needed.

  • Record Lookups / Source Verification
    I can verify or locate original sources to support your findings (e.g., confirming baptism, marriage, or burial records).

£20 per hour

5

Local Archive Visits
(Gloucestershire/Bristol Area)

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  • Research or transcriptions from Gloucestershire Archives (Heritage Hub) and surrounding repositories in Gloucestershire and Bristol.

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  • Collection or photographing of records (subject to archive rules).

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  • Ideal for clients based further afield who need local access.

£20 per hour plus 40p per mile

6

Document Digitising & Preservation 
 

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  • Digitisation of family documents, letters, and photos.

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  • Organisation into themed folders or timelines.

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  • PDF or digital album format available.

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  • Ideal for preserving fragile items or compiling a memory archive for future generations.

£20 per hour
Plus materials at cost + 10% admin fee
All costs will be discussed and agreed upon before any work begins.

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