Discovering My Roots: A Personal Journey into Genealogy
It all started in the year 2000, when I came across my late grandfather’s attempt to trace our family history. As I followed the path he began, I uncovered some emotional truths—most notably about his father, a man he never spoke of. I later discovered that his father had died tragically in 1915, when my grandfather was only 8 years old.
That moment sparked something in me. I became deeply fascinated by our family’s past and the stories hidden within it.
A Tribute to My Grandfather
My grandfather was a good and honourable man. I loved him very much. Sadly, he passed away in 1978. Only later did I learn he had been a carpenter after serving as a Major in the Royal Signals.
In many ways, I feel it is my duty to continue the work he started. To this day, I continue to research, record, and help others discover their roots. Genealogy is more than a passion for me—it’s a hobby I truly love.
A Notable Family Connection
The name Churchward comes from my mother’s side of the family. One remarkable individual in our lineage is my great-great-uncle:
George Jackson Churchward, CBE
(31 January 1857 – 19 December 1933)
Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Great Western Railway (GWR) from 1902 to 1922.
A pioneering English railway engineer whose legacy still inspires me.
I will share more about him and other family members in my blog posts.
Genealogy Services
If you’re interested in uncovering your family’s past, I offer professional genealogy services. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for help with in-depth research, I’d be happy to assist.
Let’s discover your story together.
Dedicated with Love
This website is lovingly dedicated to my wife, Layla, who has brought true happiness and light into my life,
and to my late mother, Gloria Churchward, who always encouraged me to research her family’s history—a story marked by both hardship and resilience.
Their love, strength, and belief in me are the foundation of everything I do.
Mark Churchward