British Ancestry - The Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies

The Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies

Cecil Humphery-Smith has donated one of the finest collections of books on heraldry and genealogy to be found in the U.K. along with original manuscripts dating back to the thirteenth century to the Trustees of The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. Most are held in the several libraries in the premises in Northgate, Canterbury that are filled with additional books, manuscripts, and extensive research resource material on film and electronic media.

Particular emphasis has been laid upon heraldic sources covering the whole world, so that not only British but also European and other Foreign coats of arms can be found or identified from blasons or pictures.

Guidance can be given on education in these fields, research at home and overseas, inherited characteristics, talents and diseases, DNA, forming family associations, interviewing contacts and relatives, heraldic design and artwork, layout of family trees, and use of the Internet for research.