My interest in genealogy and researching family histories started well over 20 years ago, when my mother gave me a brilliant family memoir completed in 1937 by my great grandfather. In my spare time I studied, learned and practiced genealogical research skills as I went looking for documentary source evidence for all the relatives my great grandfather had written about, followed by researching ancestors in other lines of my family tree. My ancestors, who I found came from England (Yorkshire, Northumberland, Co. Durham, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall), Scotland and Ireland, provided a varied canvas of people, places, occupations and key sources to get to know. I extended my knowledge by taking various courses designed to understand the available sources, the current best approaches in genealogical research methodologies and report-writing, and from there decided to progress as a professional genealogist.
Professionally Qualified and Accredited Genealogist
I have full professional memberships with the Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG) and the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). Both British organisations operate ethical codes of professional conduct, being established awarding/ accrediting bodies for professional genealogists in the UK, requiring proof of rigorous testing to demonstrate high standards and competence in genealogical research methodology and report writing. In addition, I have undertaken ad-hoc research for ancestryProGenealogists as an independent contract researcher.
Local and Regional History
I was awarded a Master of Studies (MSt) in History (local and regional specialism) from the University of Cambridge in 2016. I’m a member of the British Association for Local History (BALH), Local Population Studies Society (LPSS), Cambridgeshire & Huntingdonshire Family History Society, Cambridgeshire Association for Local History, Norfolk Family History Society, Suffolk Family History Society (also a Trustee) and Clan Campbell Society (North America).
I have an interest in long distance internal migration in the 19th Century, reflected in research undertaken for Cambridge University and Strathclyde University postgraduate dissertations.
Publications
Alderson, Carolyn. Manuscript submitted November 2025.
Alderson, Carolyn (2024). How to Use Wills to Develop a Family Tree. The Case of Simon Huntington (died 1633) and his Ancestors in East Anglia, England. Published via a blog on carolynalderson.com. My Will transcriptions are here.
Alderson, Carolyn (2024). A Genealogical Investigation of the Suffolk Seasonal Maltster Migration in 19th Century Burton upon Trent. The Journal of Genealogy and Family History. Vol. 7 no 1. https://www.qualifiedgenealogists.org/ojs/index.php/JGFH/article/view/146 (open access). The article was based on research for my dissertation for the PG Diploma in Genealogy with University of Strathclyde. The various appendices, including the 28 family history cases studies of Suffolk maltsters who stayed in Burton on Trent are accessible here. Please ask for my permission to re-use this material.
Alderson, Carolyn (2016). A Study of Cornish Migrants who Moved to Cramlington, Northumberland, between 1865 and 1881. MSt History. University of Cambridge. Dissertation. Published via carolynalderson.com
Education
- 2020-2022. Postgraduate Diploma in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies, University of Strathclyde, Centre for Lifelong Learning. Distinction.
- 2019. Demystifying DNA for Family Historians. Pharos Teaching & Tutoring Course. Karen Cummings.
- 2017-2020. Correspondence Course Certificate in Genealogy, Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS).
- 2014-2016. MSt in History, University of Cambridge, Department of History / Institute of Continuing Education/ Lucy Cavendish College.
- 1999. MBA, University of Warwick Business School.
- 1992. BA (Hons) Literary and Cultural Studies II(i), University of Warwick, Centre for Lifelong Learning / Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies.
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