Nature of Source
Details of the identity or change of ownership of Great Western Railway (GWR) shareholders. The index was produced by the Society of Genealogists from ledgers created by the Great Western Railway. The original ledgers were known as Probate Books by the GWR as most transfers (about 90 per cent) occurred following the death of a shareholder.
The Index mainly deals with the death of a shareholder but other information is also contained amongst the records and could include events such as marriages that happened years earlier.
GWR staff records are held at The National Archives.
See also
Railway Worker’s Records
Where Found
Period Covered
1835 – 1936
Genealogical Value
- Name, address and date of death of shareholder.
- Marriage details or other event.
- Names of executors or legatees for deaths.
- Dates of probate.
Further References
- Hawkings, David. Railway Ancestors: A Guide to the Staff Records of the Railway Companies of England and Wales 1822-1947: The History Press, 2008
- Roden, Andrew. Great Western Railway: A History: Aurum Press, 2012
Websites
www.findmypast.co.uk/helpadvice/knowledge-base/births-marriages-deaths/index.jsp#gwrx (Guide to the index from Findmypast.co.uk)
www.greatwestern.org.uk (The Great Western Archive. The site includes a history of the Great Western and a biographies of GWR Chairmen)
Online Databases
www.findmypast.co.uk (Great Western Railway Shareholders Index 1835-1932)
CD Roms
N/A
