About Parish Chest

Frank Drake standing by the Parish Chest display

As a family history researcher of many years, I was often frustrated by the lack of material available unless I visited a family history fair - these are not often held in Cornwall.

After yet another occasion when I was trying, without success, to find a particular record, I decided enough was enough; and, assisted by my wife, Pam, set up this online store where family history societies and suppliers of top quality genealogical goods could list their products, and make them available to customers at any time. So, on our wedding anniversary in December, 2002, the Parish Chest was born.

I wanted my store to be very efficient, carry a vast range of genealogical products but also, and this is very important to me, to be a friendly and enjoyable experience for you, the customer. When you visit the Parish Chest, please be assured that you are not dealing with robots or a bank of computers, but real people.

My name is Frank Drake (that is me standing by the Parish Chest display) and I handle all the orders and am usually available to answer queries, or just have a chat, between the hours of 9am until 6pm, Monday to Friday. Just ask for Frank; I  look forward to hearing from you!