I have always loved history and I was inspired by my surroundings, as I spent my childhood growing up in an old Elizabethan farmhouse in Kent. I was keen on hearing about family stories but as I am the youngest in my family, I only had the opportunity to get to know my maternal grandmother. We would spend many happy hours together, especially on Sundays, when she came over for lunch. From her, I learnt that a mystery relative had lost his arm. Who was this man and how did it happen? I had to find out and eventually, I did!

I made my first foray into family history research in my early teens when I visited the grave of my great grandfather. George Alfred Batchelor was buried in the churchyard at Cooling, Kent and from the age recorded on the memorial, I knew that he had been born around 1858 but I had no idea where. Accompanied by my elder brother, I paid a visit to St Catherine’s House in London and ordered his birth certificate. My ancestral journey had begun!

After graduating from the University of Leicester, with a B.A. in History, I was fortunate enough to turn my love of family history into a career. I spent over ten years working as a professional genealogist at the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) in Canterbury, Kent, England, from 1994 to 2005, gaining the IHGS Higher Certificate and Diploma in Genealogy (Dip.Gen.) in 2000. As well as conducting research for clients, I enjoyed teaching, writing and lecturing on family history. Currently, I am a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists, which represents excellence in genealogical practice, and mentor students in my work as a tutor for the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies.

I especially love writing about family history and sharing my knowledge and skills. My blog, Unlocking the Door to Your Past, was started in 2020 and new articles are published on a regular basis. In addition, I have contributed articles for publications such as Who Do You Think You Are Magazine, and deliver presentations for family history societies and conferences. You can find out more in my Media section.

I am currently taking on family history research projects and offer a free consultation to discuss your research requirements. See Research Services for more information. You can also book me for a talk, or commission an article. Please use the Contact Me form to get in touch.

© Judith Batchelor 2025