OUR CREDENTIALS

Worldwide Ancestry Research Services was founded in 1986 by Roger Powell, MA, the current Director of Research, to provide an exclusive and first class service to those interested in tracing their ancestry, whether it be male or female lines etc, but who do not have the time to do it themselves.  The unique and continuing connection with Burkes Peerage guarantees that all who enlist its services will receive a quality of service second to none.  The connection also provides people with an unrivalled opportunity to determine if they are related to a gentry or noble family via one of their many female lines of ancestry. 

The director, who served a six year apprenticeship at the College of Arms under the direction of several of Her Majesty's Officers of Arms, including the present Garter King of Arms, is also uniquely skilled in investigating claims to dormant and abeyant peerages and baronetcies.  Recent investigations have traced possible heirs to two supposedly dormant baronetcies, in Australia and the US.  In addition the director's connections with the Manorial Society and the Church Commissioners has provided him with the necessary skills to trace the histories of lordships of the manor.  However, this service does not rely on just the considerable expertise of its director of research; on the contrary it is further assisted by the skills of a good number of experienced and capable researchers, all of whom are carefully vetted by the director.

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PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

Research Assistant Sir Conrad M.J.F. Swan, KCVO, CVO, LVO, PhD, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms, subsequently Garter King of Arms (1965-68). Rodney O. Dennys, OBE, FSA, Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms,  subsequently Somerset Herald (1965-68). Peter L Gwynn-Jones, LVO, Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms, subsequently Garter Principal King of Arms (1975-78). Debrett Ancestry Research (1978-85). Manorial Society (1990-93). Church Commissioners (1992-94). Director of Research Debretts Ancestry Research (1985-86). Burke's Ancestry Research (1986-91). Senior Editor Burke's Peerage & Baronetage (1992-1997). Assistant Editor Burke's Landed Gentry of Scotland (1999-2001). Senior Editor Burke's Peerage & Baronetage (2001-2003).