Professional Genealogy

How much do you know about the lives of your ancestors? I can trace your family history back to at least the 19th century, going beyond the census to include court documents, newspapers, Poor Law records, parish registers, employer archives, and military service files. These sources are combined with local history to build a rich, detailed picture of how your ancestors lived and worked.

If your family tree includes railway workers, there’s even more to discover. I use railway alongside general family history research to uncover the working lives of your ancestors. Or If you’d prefer to do the research yourself, I’m happy to offer guidance on where to find the relevant records.

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 of the Great Western Railway.

About Me

Research & Talks

I have listed possible research options below - but if you have something else in mind, please let me know.

I provide in-depth research into your ancestor's railway career, which will likely involve both online resources and records from The National Archives. These railway records will be combined with other genealogical materials to provide a detailed account of your ancestor's time on the railways. I can also expand the research to include other family members, helping to trace your family’s history and build a complete family tree.

I offer local railway research in most of England and of Wales. Railway records can be a rich source of information for local historians, offering a deeper understanding of how the railways affected the local economy, community, and infrastructure. Railway companies were also large local employers, and the research can uncover personal stories of the workers. I can provide advice on how to access and interpret railway records, or conduct the research on your behalf.

I offer personalised advice and coaching via Zoom, email or in-person at The National Archives to guide you through the process of using railway records.

I offer the following talks:

Finding your Railway Ancestors
Finding Your Great Western Railway Ancestors
Revolution - The Impact of the Railways on Victorian Britain
Milk to the Masses - The Railway's Role in Britain's Dairy Industry

Off the Rails

I conduct general family history research from around 1800 in England, Scotland or Wales, and from about 1700 for Wiltshire ancestors. This is the best option for e.g. tracing a particular family line or discovering your great-grandparents.

I can carry out local studies in Salisbury, Swindon or Bristol.

I accept archive look-up requests for the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Historic England and the Great Western Railway Museums at Swindon and Didcot.

Contact Me

Do you wish to learn about railway genealogy? Or do you have an ancestor you would like me to investigate? Whatever your reason for commissioning research, I may be able to help.

I charge £30 per hour with small discounts available for bundled blocks and for AGRA members/associates. Costs for reprographics, certificates and travel are charged separately.

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

60163 steam engine by © Gareth James (cc-by-sa/2.0) & Swindon Railway Village by © Brian Robert Marshall (cc-by-sa/2.0). All other photographs by Gemma Ward.