Railway Ancestors

[EmPers]

A fair few of my ancestors worked as various things on the Railways around 1860-1900. They lived in and around Kings Norton and Aston. I was wondering if anyone would know the best way to start researching about where they were working, jobs they'd have done etc, maybe even some employment records of them?

Thanks
EmPers

[Sasha]

Hi EmPers,

As a brief guide have a look at this site http://www.nrm.org.uk/html/edu_pb/emp.asp

I've got a copy of the book 'Was Your Grandfather a Railwayman' which is mentioned in the article, but can't find it at the moment.  If I do find it and it has anything in it which I think will be useful to you I'll let you know.

There is also a Railway Ancestors family history society (http://www.railwayancestors.fsnet.co.uk/).

My family worked on the railways in Lincolnshire.  Tracing their records is something I've meant to do for years now but have never got around to it so I've got no personal experience as yet.

Regards,
Sasha.

[Sasha]

Also, have a look at the links on this site http://www.gersociety.org.uk/ - the Midland Railway Society page will probably be relevant to you.

[EmPers]

Thanks Sasha, looks like my first task is to figure out which company they worked for. Just my luck they lived in the area where there are probably the most railway companies in the country. I'm just hoping that they all worked for the same company rather than in competition!!

[Sasha]

Hi,

I've found the book I was looking for 'Was Your Grandfather a Railwayman'.  For each railway company it lists what resources are available and their location.  So if you do find out what company he worked for get back in touch and I'll send you the information from the book that's relevant.

And good luck.

Sasha.