There are a number of different research tools available to those wishing to explore Britain's railway history, depending on the area you want to concentrate on.

Genealogical Research

We receive regular requests for information relating to relatives who worked on, or were involved with, the railways. Unfortunately, the nature of our archive is such that, unless your ancestor was unfortunate enough to be a victim of one of the small number of major railway accidents, we will not have the information you require.

There are, however, a number of resources which are more likely to be able to assist with your research. Most railway company records are now deposited at the National Archives, and this would be the sensible place to start any genealogical research.

National Archives of Scotland
The main archive for sources of the history of Scotland. The NAS holds records spanning the 12th to the 21st centuries, touching on virtually every aspect of Scottish life. The NAS is the repository for the public and legal records of Scotland but also holds many local and private archives.

National Archives
The National Archives, based at Kew, is responsible for looking after the records of central government and the courts of law for England, and making sure everyone can look at them. The collection is one of the largest in the world and spans an unbroken period from the 11th century to the present day.

Historical Research

For those embarking on non-genealogical railway research, there are a number of resources available in addition to the archive.

British Official Publications Collaborative Reader Information Service
BOPCRIS aims to save researchers wasting valuable research time and effort finding relevant British Official Publications over the period 1688 -1995 by providing a web-based bibliographic database which enables them to search and browse for, and read abstracts of, key documents so they can assess whether they need to see the full document or not.

London School of Economics
The LSE Library has a very extensive collection of pamphlets on the early history of the railways. There are over 1,500 pamphlets on railway history, almost half of them on the railways in the UK. Many of these date from the 19th century covering such issues as finance, railway building, safety and publications from the railway companies themselves.

House of Lords Record Office
The Parliamentary Archives holds several million historical records relating to Parliament, dating from 1497.

Great Central Today
Documenting the current state of Britains last main line at it enters its second century.

University of Leicester Library
The library has an unrivalled transport history collection, including accident reports as far back as 1865, and is available for use by registered members of the public.

National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum in York, England is the largest railway museum in the world, responsible for the conservation and interpretation of the British national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and other artefacts. The Museum contains an unrivalled collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records.

National Archives
The National Archives, based at Kew, is responsible for looking after the records of central government and the courts of law for England, and making sure everyone can look at them. The collection is one of the largest in the world and spans an unbroken period from the 11th century to the present day.

Joyce's World of Transport Eclectica
Joyce's collection of pictures, pre- and post-Beeching maps, diagrams and sketches.

Institute of Railway Studies & Transport History
A joint initiative of the National Railway Museum and the University of York. The Institute offers a wide range of opportunities for learning and research in railway and transport history and cognate fields, including a number of courses and research degrees.

uk.railway newsgroup
The best Usenet group for UK railways; if you have a specific question or point you want to discuss, there are some very knowledgeable people lurking here.

New Adlestrop Railway Atlas
A historical atlas of Britain's railways, currently in progress. It shows lines and stations currently open, together with those that have closed.

The Signal Box
A site all about railway signalling. Its primary purpose is to describe the principles behind railway signalling in Great Britain, but some coverage of signalling around the world will also be found. The emphasis is on the older, mechanical signalling - that worked by mechanical levers and with semaphore signals. Includes descriptions and illustrations of signals, explanations of the rules and regulations, photographs, historic articles, reminiscences, museum and book lists.

Warwickshire Railways
Warwickshire Railways is created for the railway enthusiast, local historian and railway modeller by fellow enthusiasts. The project is long term with the objective of providing historical information and photos on all stations, sheds and other locations in the county.

British Transport Police
British Transport Police is the national police force for the railways providing a policing service to rail operators, their staff and passengers throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The Force is also responsible for policing the London Underground system, the Docklands Light Railway, the Midland Metro Tram System and Croydon Tramlink.

Train Testing
Dave Coxon's site, dedicated to his work at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby. Includes a wide range of train testing history.

Rail Accident Investigation Branch
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is the independent railway accident investigation organisation for the UK. It investigates railway accidents and incidents on the UK's railways to improve safety, not to establish blame.

Open University Department of Materials Engineering
The Materials Engineering Department contributes to the development and presentation of a wide variety of courses, predominantly covering the engineering applications of materials and the manipulation of their properties. A number of papers are available covering research into structural failures on the railway.

Signalling Record Society
The Signalling Record Society exists to maintain and share knowledge of Railway Signalling and Operation in the British Isles and Overseas. The Society possesses much archive material and has expertise which can assist members in their study and research on these topics. It also publishes books, photographs and drawings which may be purchased by members and non-members.

UK Statute Law Database
The UK Statute Law Database (SLD) is the official revised edition of the primary legislation of the United Kingdom made available online.

British Transport Films
Visitors are invited to explore this website and discover the legacy of BTF, which was responsible for capturing the general transport scene at a time of great transition - a priceless legacy of moving and still images that deserves more exposure than it gets today.