Gemma Ward
AGRA Associate

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.

About Me

I'm Gemma Ward, a professional genealogist based in north-east Wiltshire. I qualified as a genealogist through Pharos and the Soceity of Genealogists and am now an associate member and South West co-ordinator for AGRA.In 2018, I started working at the Museum of the Great Western Railway, which sparked a deep interest in railway history, heritage and genealogy.

As a qualified genealogist through Pharos/Society of Genealogists, my passion for railway history and genealogy began in 2018 when I started working at the Museum of the Great Western Railway.

Railway Genealogy

I provide in-depth research into your ancestor’s railway career, using both online resources and records from The National Archives. The research can be extended to include other family members, helping to trace your family history and build a complete family tree. I can provide advice on how to access and interpret the records for family and local historians. I give talks on railway genealogy and the impact of the railways.

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 talks on a variety of local and national railway topics.

General Genealogy

Aside from railway genealogy, I conduct general family history research, focusing on England, Scotland, and Wales from around 1800, and Wiltshire ancestors from about 1700. I also offer local studies in Salisbury and Swindon.

If you’d like to learn more about railway genealogy or need help investigating an ancestor, I’d be happy to help.