About Glacier Field
Dedicated to uncovering and preserving British historical narratives
Our Story
Glacier Field was established in 2009 by a small group of historians and archivists who shared a common vision: to make professional historical research accessible to individuals, families, and organisations across the United Kingdom. What began as a modest consultancy operating from a converted Victorian townhouse in Winchester has grown into a respected research practice with connections to archives and institutions throughout Britain.
Our name reflects our methodology. Like glaciers that slowly but inexorably shape landscapes over millennia, we believe that patient, methodical research reveals truths that hasty investigation might overlook. History does not yield its secrets easily, and we approach every project with the persistence and attention to detail that meaningful discovery requires.
Our Philosophy
We believe that history belongs to everyone. Whether you are a first-generation university student exploring your working-class roots, a landowner researching the centuries-long story of an estate, or a local history society documenting your community's heritage, your story deserves the same rigorous scholarly attention.
Historical research is fundamentally an act of recovery. Documents fade, memories dim, and structures crumble, yet through careful investigation we can reconstruct the experiences of those who came before us. This work carries both privilege and responsibility—the privilege of touching original sources that connect us directly to past lives, and the responsibility to interpret those sources with integrity and nuance.
"Every document tells multiple stories. Our task is to listen carefully enough to hear them all."Dr. Elizabeth Thornton, Founder
Our Research Team
Experienced historians dedicated to rigorous scholarly investigation
Dr. Elizabeth Thornton
Founder & Lead Researcher
Medieval and Tudor specialist
Robert Ainsworth
Senior Genealogist
Parish records expert
Catherine Mercer
Heritage Consultant
Listed buildings specialist
Our Approach to Research
Initial Consultation
Every project begins with a thorough discussion of your objectives, existing knowledge, and the questions you hope to answer. We establish realistic expectations and develop a research strategy tailored to your specific needs.
Archival Investigation
Our researchers visit archives, libraries, and repositories to examine original documents. We photograph or transcribe relevant sources, creating a comprehensive evidence base for your project.
Analysis and Synthesis
Raw information becomes meaningful narrative through careful analysis. We cross-reference sources, resolve contradictions, and place individual findings within broader historical contexts.
Reporting and Presentation
Our findings are compiled into clear, accessible reports that convey both the story we have uncovered and the evidence supporting our conclusions. We welcome follow-up discussions to explore any aspect in greater depth.
Ready to Begin?
Discuss your research project with our team and receive a tailored proposal.
Contact UsOur Credentials
Our researchers hold advanced degrees from leading British universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and the Institute of Historical Research. Several team members are fellows of the Royal Historical Society, and we maintain professional memberships with the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives.
We have contributed to academic publications, advised heritage organisations, and provided expert testimony for legal proceedings involving historical property matters. Our work has been cited in documentaries broadcast on BBC and Channel 4.
Ethical Standards
Historical research often encounters sensitive material. We are committed to handling personal information with discretion and respect. When our investigations reveal unexpected or potentially distressing findings, we communicate these with care and context.
We believe in transparency regarding what historical research can and cannot achieve. We will not manufacture connections that the evidence does not support, nor will we suppress inconvenient findings. Our reports present the documented truth as faithfully as we can determine it.
All client information remains strictly confidential. We do not share research findings or personal details with third parties without explicit permission, and we maintain secure records in compliance with data protection requirements.