Genealogy Chat

Incidentally, my great-grandfather was also in Paddington for some of the time. His name was William LANCASTER. The later info I have on him is: 1891: age 27, Ry pass guard, 7 Porchester Sq, London 1901: age 37, Ry pass guard, boarding with colleague's (Wm PEARSON) family @ 39 Kilravock St, Paddington Just in case there are any overlaps? Christine

I know that the Archives at Kew have GWR personnel records - cos I went hunting for my great-grandfather's. You need to be aware of a few things: 1] Because they're personnel records, notwithstanding the improbability of someone born in the mid nineteenth century still being alive, you have to sign a confidentiality pledge before you can see anything. They don't want you embarrassing living people by revealing their scandalous goings-on! 2] There are two sets of references for the personnel ledgers and they're very similar. I ended up with the wrong set, so I was looking at names beginning with C instead of L. I think the correct numbers were about 3 bigger than the ones I used in error. 3] the personnel ledgers are ENORMOUS tomes, so you have to look at them on the upper floor, with the sponge protective supports. In general, you'll find the staff are very helpful. I think each person who researches the archives affirms the staff in their posts by showing their job is worthwhile and the staff respond to that. cheers Christine

I believe the Record Office at Kew has GWR records.

If you google GENUKI England site they have a board for Railway people.

I think someone recently put a thread about railways.

My GGrandfather was a railway guard for GWR. He lived in Paddington from the 1860's onwards. Does anyone know where I can look for his emplyment history maybe?