About Us

The history of Debrett can be traced back to 1766, when John Field Debrett, the 13-year-old son of a French cook, was apprenticed to a Piccadilly bookseller and publisher, Robert Davis. By 1781, John Debrett was running his own business, and in due course he took over the publication originally known as Collin’s Peerage which, by 1802, was published as Debrett’s Correct Peerage. Over two centuries later, Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage is now in its 147th imprint, and is still the definitive genealogical guide to Britain’s titled families.

By the 1960s and 1970s, however, it was clear that it was not only peers and baronets who took pride in their family history. In response to a growing interest which spanned right across society, Debrett's Peerage Ltd set up a new division, Debrett Ancestry Research, with the aim of providing a high-quality, professional research service for anyone with British ancestry. Now a separate company, Debrett Ancestry Research has researched more than 7000 families from all walks of life and from all over the world.

In the 21st century, the desire to know where our families come from is stronger than ever and, with the growth of modern information technology, the opportunities for finding out have never been more exciting. Building on our long tradition of excellence, and making full use of resources and techniques both old and new, Debrett Ancestry Research continues to offer unrivalled expertise and experience in the field of genealogical research.

“If there is a solution, I believe Debrett’s can find it.” (W Dowell, Virginia)

Debrett Ancestry Research Ltd
Department WP
PO Box 379
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9YQ
United Kingdom

Tel: (+44) (0)1962 841904

Email:
wp@debrettancestry.co.uk