Sarah Pettyfer, QG

Sarah is an experienced distinguished family, house, and local historian, blending her legal background with advanced genealogical expertise. Beginning her career as a solicitor, Sarah transitioned to historical research after over two decades of exploring her own family history. She earned the Higher Certificate in Genealogy in 2020 and the Diploma in Genealogy in 2021 from the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS), where she now serves as a tutor. Sarah’s legal training uniquely enhances her historical investigations, particularly in interpreting legal documents such as deeds, manorial court records, and Chancery court cases. Though she no longer practices law, she remains a member of the Law Society and brings her expertise to the genealogical community as Vice Chair of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA).

Sarah's Upcoming Live Webinars (1)

Fri, October 16 2026: 18:00 UTC
Fleet Marriages: Tracing Clandestine Weddings in the UK
Fri, October 16 2026: 18:00 UTC
This presentation provides a brief history of marriage in the UK with a particular focus on Fleet marriages, that is those which were outside the normal rules of the Church prior to Lord Hardwicks Marriage Act 1753. The records can be found online but many may not be obvious. Understanding what they are can provide insight into our ancestors.
This presentation provides a brief history of marriage in the UK with a particular focus on Fleet marriages, that is those which were outside the normal rules of the Church prior to Lord Hardwicks Marriage Act 1753. The records can be found online but many may not be obvious. Understanding what they are can provide insight into our ancestors.
Fri, October 16 2026: 18:00 UTC

Sarah's Webinars (1)