About

Paul Crooks is a genealogist, author, historian and public speaker specialising in African-Caribbean ancestry, Black British history and heritage.

Over more than twenty-five years, he has helped individuals, communities and organisations explore family history through archival records, historical research and storytelling. His work is recognised for demonstrating how fragmented records can be used to reconstruct ancestry, reconnect people with their histories, and deepen understanding of identity, belonging and heritage.

Paul is the author of "A Tree Without Roots", one of the earliest published guides to tracing African-Caribbean ancestry, and Ancestors, a historical novel inspired by his own journey tracing his family lineage from London to Jamaica and ultimately to West Africa.

Paul Crooks, genealogist and author specialising in African-Caribbean ancestry

Paul Crooks, genealogist and author specialising in African-Caribbean ancestry

From Records to Understanding

Many people begin family history research with a simple question:

"Who were my ancestors?"

For African-Caribbean families, the answer is often complicated by slavery, migration, changing identities and incomplete records.

Paul's work focuses on helping people move beyond these challenges by combining archival evidence with historical context and careful interpretation. Rather than treating genealogy as the collection of names and dates, his approach explores what records reveal about the lives, experiences and decisions of the people behind them.

Early 19th-century Jamaican baptism record showing John Alexander Crooks, an ancestor in the Crooks family lineage

19th-century Jamaican record including J'n Alex' Crooks contributing to a reconstructed lineage traced back to West Africa

19th-century Jamaican plantation record showing Jeany Crooks, an ancestor connected to the Crooks family lineage

Early 19th-century Jamaican baptism record including Jeany Crooks, forming part of a reconstructed family lineage

Connecting Family History to Black History

Family history does not exist in isolation.

Individual stories are connected to wider histories of enslavement, emancipation, migration, community formation and social change.

Through research, publications and public engagement, Paul helps audiences connect personal ancestry to broader Black British and African-Caribbean histories. His work demonstrates how family history can provide a gateway to understanding larger historical experiences and the continuing impact they have today.

Storytelling, Identity and Heritage

Paul's work extends beyond genealogical reconstruction.

Drawing on archival research and historical evidence, he explores how family stories can be transformed into meaningful narratives that strengthen understanding of identity, belonging and heritage.

His own research journey culminated in the publication of Ancestors, demonstrating how historical records can be used not only to reconstruct a lineage but also to create a lasting cultural legacy.

This approach reflects a broader belief that heritage is not simply about discovering records. It is about understanding what those records mean, how they connect us to wider histories, and how they can help people see themselves within those histories.

Public Engagement and Institutional Work

Professional Approach

Paul's work is grounded in:

  • Primary archival evidence
  • Historical and cultural context
  • Responsible interpretation
  • Clear distinction between evidence and speculation
  • Accessible public engagement

While he provides consultations and educational support, his focus is on helping people understand historical records and their wider significance rather than undertaking open-ended genealogical research projects.

Enquiries

For information about talks, publications, consultations, or institutional bookings, please use the Contact page.