About Me

My name is Debra Edmonds, and I love history, mystery, family trees, ghost stories, archaeology and basically anything 'old' which has a story to tell.

I also love the archaeology of long-gone disused railway paths and canals, with the M&SJWR (railway) that ran through Old Swindon being a favourite, and also the Wilts and Berks Canal that also ran right through 'New' Swindon.

I am also concerned by the tragic story of Edith Thompson, hanged on 9th January 1923 for a murder she did not commit - see Edith's photo below.  I have studied her case and have much material relating to Edith's story.  I take flowers to Edith's grave at Brookwood Cemetery every year - her birthday was on Christmas Day.

Being a qualified tour guide, it allows me to pass on the history of a place and 'bring it back to life' by showing photographs, maps and documents.  I especially love showing those on my tours 'before and after' photographs - photos from long ago and the same scene or view from present day.  It always amazes people how some things just never change, and certain things have been completely obliterated from the landscape.  Working at English Heritage also provides me with an extensive archive and library full of information which keeps me occupied during my lunch breaks!

       
Left:  Me with my Tour Guiding certificate
Right:  Me with an old friend!  Seriously, it is a real skull....

Edith Thompson

I enjoy tracing my family tree.  Here is my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandparents grave
in Lydiard Tregoze churchyard

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