How much do you know about your ancestors? Perhaps you are lucky enough to have a family tree, photographs, names or dates.

But how much do you know about the family story beyond names and dates - how your ancestors lived, worked and survived.

That's where I can help. I offer family history research which starts when your knowledge ends...and takes your family story back into history.

Professional Family History Research
Because sometimes the best stories...are true.

About Me

I'm Gemma Ward, a professional genealogist based in North-East Wiltshire. I qualified as a genealogist through Pharos/Society of Genealogists and am now an Associate Member and a South West coordinator for AGRA, the professional genealogy association.

In 2018, I started working at the the Museum of the Great Western Railway, which sparked a deep interest in railway history, heritage and genealogy. I am a member of the Great Western Society.

Whether you would like to commission a project, learn more about railway records, or simply explore your family's past, I’m happy to help.

Please contact me at trackstothepast@pm.me. I would be happy to hear from you.

How Can I Help?

There are many ways I can support your family history journey – here are some of the services I provide:

I offer general ancestral research. I can trace most English, Welsh, and Scottish lines back to about 1800, but for Wiltshire families, I can go further back thanks to regional knowledge and local archive access. Completed research may be presented professionally bound - ideal as a meaningful gift or a lasting family keepsake.

I carry out local research in eastern Wiltshire, particularly in the areas now making up Salisbury and Swindon. As well as visiting local archives, I can provide site photographs and essential historical background to enhance your research.

I offer research into your ancestor’s railway career. This usually starts with my Tracking Down Your Railway Ancestors package outlined below. Subsequent research may include both online and archival sources. I can also broaden the research scope to include other family members.

I also offer personalised advice and coaching via Zoom or email, guiding you through the process of using railway records in your own research, as well as offering talks themed around railway genealogy and the effects of the railway on Victorian England.

- Research Focus -

Tracking Down Your Railway Ancestors: Research Plan

You may have discovered a railway connection in your family tree - but what did your ancestor actually do? And who did they work for? Unfortunately, many railway staff records have not survived, and those that do may be in multiple locations. However, I have a particular interest in railway genealogy and have created a practical, two-step package to help you discover as much as possible.

The Tracking Down Your Ancestors research plan begins with background information about the railway company (or companies) your ancestor worked for and their job role. From there, you’ll receive a structured research plan designed to help you navigate any surviving sources and trace your railway ancestor's story. You can carry out the research yourself, or choose to commission me to take it further.

All this for a special price of £39 - exceptional value for a tailored genealogy resource.(Available for most English and Welsh railway companies.)