Discovering your unique family history.
Everyone has a family story to explore, whether it’s your grandparents’ lives during one of the world wars or further back in time.
Discovering your ancestry can help you understand some of who you are. Do you have itchy feet? Maybe your great-grandfather was in the Navy and sailed the world? Are you good with numbers? Perhaps your great-great-grandmother was a pioneering scientist or a nurse and has passed her traits down to you?
Whatever you would like to discover, I can help you find the answer.
Everyone has a family story to explore, whether it’s your grandparents’ lives during one of the world wars or further back in time.
Discovering your ancestry can help you understand some of who you are. Do you have itchy feet? Maybe your great-grandfather was in the Navy and sailed the world? Are you good with numbers? Perhaps your great-great-grandmother was a pioneering scientist or a nurse and has passed her traits down to you?
Whatever you would like to discover, I can help you find the answer.
20+ Years Of Research Experience
Base in Madeira, Portugal
Research Conducted Worldwide
Commited to the Genealogical Proof Standard
Professional Membership
Welcome
Meet Lorraine Beigley
Professional Genealogist
For more than 20 years Lorraine has been involved in genealogy, researching families in Scotland, England, Europe and South Africa.
At Genealogy-by-Degree it is Lorraine’s passion to help you discover your family story and history, discovering the paths your ancestors took during their lives and helping you discover ways to share that story and the memories with your family.
Based in Madeira, Portugal, research is conducted worldwide, especially in the UK and South Africa. The magic of the internet means that Genealogy-by-Degree can help you no matter where you live.
How can i Help?
Services
Family Tree Research
Build your family tree and discover your ancestors with thorough, professional research.
Lineage Research
Explore your direct lines and ancestral origins with detailed, source-based findings.
Migration & Family Events
Trace your ancestors’ journeys and uncover key life events that shaped their stories.
Reports & Charts
Receive clear, beautifully presented reports, charts, and timelines you can treasure.
Why it Matters
Why do I need a professional genealogist?
Providing accuracy, expertise and quality
A professional genealogist provides accurate, reliable family history research using the Genealogical Proof Standard. By analysing historical records, archives and specialist repositories, I help separate verified facts from incorrect information and avoid costly research mistakes.
With more than 20 years of genealogy experience, and an MSc in genealogical, palaeographic and heraldic studies, I deliver thorough, source-based research that uncovers meaningful details about your ancestors and family story.
Accuracy You Can Trust
Thorough, source-cited research following the Genealogical Proof Standard.
Experience & Expertise
20+ years of hands-on research across multiple locations and record sets.
Access to Archives
Use of global archives, databases, and repositories not always available online.
Quality, Not Guesswork
Evidence-based conclusions with clear citations and transparent methods.
Cost-Effective & Efficient
Save time and avoid costly mistakes with focused, professional research.
Reviews about Genealogy by Degree
Testimonials
Joe - Glasgow, Scotland
"I just wanted to thank you again for the fantastic work you did on my family tree on my dad’s side. Your insight, patience, and excellent genealogy skills have helped me discover so much about my dad’s family that I never imagined possible. I’m really grateful for all the time and care you’ve put into your research - it has been an amazing journey over the past few months, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!"
Alison - Inverness, Scotland
"I was really delighted with the work Lorraine did in preparing the family tree for me. It brought home the importance of family history. It was well researched, turned up a good few surprises, and also answered questions I had about certain relatives. It was like getting a great book to read and re-read. I would certainly recommend her excellent work"
Every family story is different, so each research project is tailored to your goals, interests and budget.
I can help you:
- Build your family tree one generation at a time, researching each ancestor within that generation.
- Explore a specific branch of your family, such as your maternal or paternal line.
- Investigate an important family event, including migration, military service, marriage or relocation.
At the end of the research, you will receive a detailed PDF report containing the records consulted, relevant transcriptions and fully referenced sources. Where appropriate, the report may also include historical context, professional observations, an ancestral tree and a descendant chart.
All research is carried out with care, accuracy and in accordance with the Genealogical Proof Standard.