About

Jayne Stevenson BA(Hons) MA

Genealogy and Historical Research

Family History House History Historical Research

About

I have been interested in history for as long as I can remember. As a child I recall reading books about history and archaeology and as I got a bit older enjoyed visiting historic sites, museums and stately homes.

Although interested in history in general I developed an interest in the 17th Century and in particular the English Civil War period. This interest lead me to carrying out a considerable amount of research into the campaign and battle of Marston Moor which took place in 1644 during the civil war. This research not only involved consulting books on the subject but also original historical documents and manuscripts.

Hello,

My name is Jayne Stevenson and I am a professional genealogist and historian based in Lancashire.

These were held at various archives and libraries including the British Museum in London, Minster Library in York and Bodelian Library, Oxford. Examining Original manuscripts that had been written 350 years ago, and signed by individuals whose names had I had previously only read about in books really brought history to life for me.

From then on I wanted to take my interest in history further and in 1994 I went to the University of Central Lancashire and studied for a Degree in History. I successfully obtained a degree with Honours and then went on to study for, and obtain a Masters Degree in Early Modern History from Manchester University.

Not long after leaving university I began research into my great uncle who had been killed during World War I. This lead to me delving further into my family history and as I got more involved in this aspect of historical research I realised how popular this pastime had become and that here was an opportunity to conduct research for other people who were investigating their family history. This was back in the late 1990s when there were virtually no family history sources available online and information was not as easily accessible.

As a result, in 1999, I put my skills as a historian to use and began to offer a professional genealogy and historical research service under the name of 'Red Rose Research'

During this time I carried out a considerable amount of family history research for clients both in the UK and abroad. Much of my research was based in local archives such a the Lancashire Archives, Manchester Local Studies and Liverpool Archives and Local Studies. However, my research often took me further afield to places as far apart as Edinburgh, Birmingham and Winchester. I also frequently went down to London to conduct research at the National Archives, Family Record Centre, London Metropolitan Archives and Guildhall Library.

I also carried out research for other historians and authors who were writing books.

In addition to carrying out research I taught family history, history and heritage at a number of institutions.

For a number of years I taught family history to adults at a couple of .local schools as part of their adult education programmes and also at Alston Hall Residential College.

This teaching lead on to other things, namely work at Blackpool and the Fylde College and for the Women's Institute. At Blackpool and Fylde College I taught GCSE history for a short while and also lectured in Family History and History on a History and Heritage Management Foundation Degree.

The Women's Institute (WI) have a residential college in Oxfordshire and I was approached by them to teach family history which I did for a few years along with some heritage focused courses.

Early in 2016 my career took a change of direction and I opened a small gallery which I ran for two and a half years. From the time I closed the gallery until the latter half of 2021 I was a carer for my father. However, during these periods of time I still carried out some family history research, working on my own family tree and doing research for friends.

Since my father sadly passed away I am now pursuing my career as a professional genealogist once again.