I’m John Colclough, a genealogist and family historian based in South Wales.
This photo was taken beside my namesake in Tintern Abbey, Wexford—a quiet reminder that history isn’t distant. It’s personal.
My work is rooted in care—for the lives that came before us, and for those seeking to understand them. Whether you’re tracing your ancestors, exploring the history of your home, or hoping to preserve a story for future generations, I offer research that’s both meticulous and emotionally resonant.
With over 30 years of experience, I blend archival precision with narrative craft, helping clients uncover connections that feel personal, meaningful, and true.
My Approach.
Every family story is unique. I begin by listening—whether to a client’s hopes, a fragment of memory, or the quiet clues left in archival records.
My research combines online resources with on-the-ground visits to archives, churchyards, chapels, libraries, and local landmarks. I work slowly and carefully, respecting both the privacy of living relatives and the dignity of those long gone.
I draw on skills honed over decades: history-taking, critical analysis, transcription, and storytelling. My aim is not just to gather facts, but to weave them into something meaningful—a keepsake, a tribute, a deeper understanding of where you come from.
What I Offer.
I tailor each project to the needs of the client—whether you’re seeking a full family history, help with a single document, or guidance for a research trip. My services include:
Core Services
- Family History Research
Tracing ancestors, building trees, and crafting narrative histories - House & Local History
Exploring the story of a home, village, or landscape - Transcription of Historical Documents
Deciphering arcane handwriting and paleographic puzzles - Heraldry & Inheritance Tracing
Investigating coats of arms, lineage, and succession - Mapping & Migration Research
Using historical maps and records to trace movement and place - Travel Advice for South Wales
Helping clients plan meaningful research visits - Keepsake Books & Visual Tributes
Creating heirloom-style narratives and Canva-based designs
Qualifications & Affiliations.
My work is grounded in both experience and formal study. I’m an AGRA Associate, member of APGEN, and my academic background includes:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
- BA (Hons) in History and Philosophy. The Open University
- BSc in Health and Social Care. The Open University
- Diploma in Nursing. Swansea University
- Diploma in European Humanities. The Open University
Let’s Begin Your Journey.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your family’s past or already deep into the search, I’d be honoured to help.
Every project begins with a conversation—about your hopes, your questions, and the stories you want to uncover.
Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs. I offer individually tailored packages, and I’m always happy to guide you through the possibilities.
Kind Words.
“Thanks John … for the great trip you gave us. K and her husband were here over Christmas, he got left out of a lot of conversations about Wales. All of us enjoyed that trip very much. So besides being a great genealogist, you are a great travel guide too. We all think you made our trip so very special. So thank you again, and you might just find us your way again. Stay well, stay happy and thank you so much…”
— The Bowen Family, November 2024