Railway Records

The History

Railways were the growth industry in the late 1800's so that by 1920 there were over 100 companies operating Railways.

By 1923 amalgamation had left just four railway companies and in 1948 Nationalisation left just one company.

Sadly records of the old companies are not complete having been destroyed leaving more blanks than answers

What records can you find?

If your ancestor worked on the railways after 1923 knowing where to look for records is simple.

However if it was before 1923 there were so many railway companies that a little work is often needed to identify the correct company.

Travel distances to work was less common than it is now which means that the place of employment was probably near to the house.

Then consult an old railway map to see which companies had track or facilities near to  your ancestors house.

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The National Archives is the major source of Railway Records  with records from virtually all of the railway companies.

The material is not online so a personal visit is required.

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The National Railway Museum has little of direct use to a family historian but has many exhibits and photos of life on the railways.

There are many other steam rail museums throughout the country where enthusiasts may be able to help with enquiries.

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The Railway Ancestors Family History Society have an interesting website where CD's with staff data are available. Members offer free advice on queries regarding railway ancestry.

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Most men would have belonged to a Union.

Railway workers union records are all held at Warwick University where they can be examined                  by personal visit

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County Records Offices and local museums sometimes have local records of railways especially those of the smaller companies who were taken over by their larger rivals..

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Railways were newsworthy so it is worth checking local newspaper archives especially if they are digitalised.

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British Rail records from 1948 to 1994 are held by BRB.

They are not normally open to public view.