Policies – Terms – Conditions
(Estimated reading time: ⏱️ 7 to 9 minutes)
About Us
FamilyWareham.co.uk (Wareham family history and genealogy) is a genealogy research initiative in England that actively explores and preserves the histories of individuals with the surname Wareham, Warham, or any recognized variant (e.g., Whareham).
The team first gather and analyze historical records—including Census data, Parish documents, archival materials, and authenticated photographs—to uncover verifiable details such as names, birth and death dates, and burial or cremation site information. Then, our goal is to build a comprehensive and accurate genealogical resource. We digitize all documents. Additionally, we archive them securely.
🗃️ The Wareham Genealogical Database (WGD2025)
Wareham Genealogical Database (WGD2025) began in September 1995 as a Lotus Approach (IBM) project and later transitioned to Microsoft Access to enhance functionality. Since its inception, the database has grown into a robust archive of records—streamlined from 750GB to 155GB—to support faster data retrieval and more efficient research.
Today, the database contains nearly 116,000 individual records, each representing a unique person. We carefully curate every entry to include as much relevant information as possible, such as:
- First and middle names
- Residential addresses
- Key life events (birth, christening, marriage, death)
- Family connections (parents, siblings, children, ages)
- Source references and contributing researchers
Finally, part of our mission is to preserve and expand the documented legacy of the Wareham lineage by maintaining detailed, verifiable historical records.
🔐 Genealogical Information Privacy & Protection
This platform securely maintains the Wareham Genealogical Database (WGD2025) on a private computer system, accessible only to designated administrators. Subsequently, the database is not available for public access online.
Researchers can submit search inquiries using the official search form at the bottom of Genealogy Page One. Important: Please avoid entering search requests in the Guest Book or Feedback Forms, as we remove such entries to protect data integrity.
🤝 Data Sharing & Research Collaboration
It is right to actively encourage collaboration with fellow researchers to enrich genealogical studies. To uphold ethical research standards, we manage access to database information through an exchange agreement. Researchers requesting data must contribute new and relevant findings related to the Wareham lineage in return for comparable information. We determine the terms of each exchange through direct discussion.
🗂️ Database Overview & Historical Scope
Our project traces records as far back as 1086, including references to Hugonnis De Quarham (Hugh Wareham), and spans nearly a thousand years of documented lineage. While most entries focus on individuals from the 17th to 20th centuries, we also include earlier records from the 13th to 16th centuries—though in more limited detail due to the scarcity of surviving historical data. Available evidence indicates that individuals bearing the Wareham or Warham surname may have lived as early as 1150 or before.
🔒 Personal Data Protection & Site Policies
Policy is to never share personal data collected through communications (e.g., email) or voluntarily submitted by site visitors with third parties. We use this information solely for its intended research purpose.
Guest Book Entries: We review all submissions to ensure they are relevant to genealogical research and appropriate for public display. Please avoid including sensitive personal details, as Guest Book entries are publicly visible.
Search Form Submissions: Administrators securely process all research inquiries submitted through the Search Form. These entries are not visible on the website.
Dedication to the project team, who remain committed to preserving historical accuracy and protecting the information entrusted to us by our users.
📁 Media Uploads & Privacy Protection
In progress development of a secure drop-box system that will allow visitors to upload genealogy-related documents and photographs. Although this feature is not yet available, we appreciate your patience as we work to ensure its security and functionality before launch.
🖼️ Image Upload Guidelines
Before submitting images to the website, please remove any embedded location data (EXIF GPS) to help protect your privacy. Location metadata can be extracted by third parties, so this precaution is essential.
It is strongly advised that all users to review and verify file metadata before uploading. By submitting files, users accept full responsibility for the content they provide. FamilyWareham.co.uk does not accept liability for errors, omissions, content accuracy, or any consequences resulting from uploaded materials.
If data is detected in an uploaded file, we will make reasonable efforts to remove it where possible.
📬 Contact Forms – Genealogical Search Requests
Searching for a missing Wareham or Warham ancestor or relative? We may be able to help.
You can submit a genealogical inquiry using our Search Request Form, available on Genealogy Page One. To ensure an accurate and effective search, please include detailed information about the individual—not just a full name. Helpful details include age, known locations, and any relevant historical context that could assist in narrowing the search.
🔎 Search Process & Information Exchange
When we receive a search request, we review the database thoroughly. If we locate relevant records, we’ll send a summary of our findings to the email address provided with your inquiry. If you wish to explore the results further, you may need to participate in the Information Exchange Agreement.
Please take note: While our database includes an extensive collection of genealogical records, we cannot guarantee information beyond what may already be available through external sources. We do not maintain undisclosed or proprietary archives.
🔄 Data Contribution & Exchange Policy
A warm to welcome contributors to share Wareham or Warham-related materials—such as photographs, family tree details, and historical documents—to help enrich our research and strengthen the genealogical record.
In line with our Information Exchange Agreement, we reciprocate all contributions with relevant details from our database. We remain committed to ethical data-sharing practices that promote responsible and fair exchanges.
Please be aware: We do not purchase information. All contributions are voluntary and intended solely for genealogical research purposes.
🌐 Embedded Content from External Websites
Some articles on this website include embedded media—such as videos, images, articles, and hyperlinks—from third-party sources. This content functions as if you were viewing it directly on the original site.
To enhance the site’s visual and informational quality, we occasionally integrate media from external sources and provide proper attribution where applicable. Whenever possible, we aim to replace borrowed content with original material. If a content owner objects to the use of their work, we will either request permission or promptly remove the material upon request.
🛡️ Privacy & Third-Party Tracking
It is possible that external websites may collect personal data, use cookies, employ third-party tracking technologies, and monitor your interactions with embedded content—especially if you’re logged into an account on the originating site.
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit to understand how they collect, store, and use your data.
🔗 Liability & External Links
FamilyWareham.co.uk is not responsible for any issues that may arise from third-party websites or embedded links. While we make every effort to ensure that external links are relevant and functional, we cannot guarantee their availability, accuracy, or security.
If you encounter a broken or problematic link, please let us know—we’ll take appropriate action to update or remove it as needed.
We always encourage all visitors to exercise caution, verify the authenticity of external sources, and protect their personal data when interacting with third-party content.
📢 Advertising Policy
Regular requests to add links and advertisements for external websites are recieved daily, many of which are unrelated to genealogy and do not support our research goals. As a research-driven initiative, we prioritize content that directly contributes to genealogical studies of the Wareham family and its variants.
For genealogy-related advertising proposals, we carefully review each request to ensure it aligns with our research objectives. We’re open to discussing potential collaboration terms on a case-by-case basis.
While our primary focus is on information exchange rather than commercial advertising, we recognize the financial realities of sustaining long-term research. We welcome financial contributions to support our ongoing efforts. All donations are ethically allocated to enhance the scope and quality of our genealogical work.
You’ll find the donation link in the sidebar on the home page. Thank you for your consideration.
🚫 Cold Calls & Unsolicited Offers
We have received over 6,000 unsolicited emails from cold-callers, automated bots, and commercial entities promoting paid services for website enhancements, traffic growth, or marketing strategies. We do not engage with these solicitations and have no interest in paid promotional services of this kind.
If you have a legitimate inquiry related to genealogy research, historical documentation, or ethical sponsorship, please reach out through our Contact page.
📊 Analysis of WGD2025
We designed the Wareham Genealogical Database (WGD2025) to store and organize historical records of deceased individuals bearing the Wareham surname, including variants such as Warham. This global database offers an efficient system for storing, searching, and retrieving genealogical data, while enabling unprecedented family connections through extensive cross-referencing.
To our knowledge, no other research initiative has mapped Wareham individuals to their families on this scale
🧩 Information Processing
We apply a rigorous verification process to all incoming data to ensure accuracy and integrity:
- We cross-reference each submission with existing records to determine whether the information is already documented.
- If the data is new, we authenticate its source and assess its reliability before updating the corresponding record.
- If no prior matches exist, we create a new entry and incorporate the information into the database.
- We digitize all physical documents and, once archived, securely destroy or recycle the paper copies to streamline data management.
Through this structured methodology, WGD2025 continually refines and expands its genealogical archive, strengthening historical connections among Wareham individuals worldwide.
✅ Information Verification Process
We cross-reference each submission with existing records to determine whether the information is already documented.
- If the data is new, we authenticate its source and assess its reliability before updating the relevant record.
- If we find no prior matches, we create a new entry and incorporate the information into the database.
- We digitize all physical documents and, once archived, securely destroy or recycle the paper copies to streamline data management
🛡️ How We Manage Your Data
We fully comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Collecting or storing personal data about living individuals requires proper authorization, clear justification, and strict adherence to data usage policies. To uphold these standards, the Wareham Genealogical Database (WGD2025) stores records exclusively for deceased individuals.
For living individuals, we maintain a separate contacts file that includes only those who have given explicit consent for their information to be retained for genealogical communication.
🔐 Privacy & Data Handling
We are committed to safeguarding personal data and using it responsibly. We use all information solely for its intended genealogical purpose and never share it with third parties.
We retain data only with the individual’s explicit consent and process it fairly, lawfully, and in full compliance with applicable privacy regulations.
We collect only the information necessary for genealogical research and avoid storing excessive or irrelevant personal details.
If you’ve provided contact information, you have the right to request a copy of the data we hold about you. If you wish to have your information deleted, we will promptly honor your request.
🔄 Updating & Removing Data
We routinely update contact records to maintain accuracy and ensure reliable information management.
If you’ve shared personal data with us, you have the right to request a copy of the information we hold about you. Upon request, we will permanently delete your stored personal information.
We securely maintain all contact data in an offline electronic file that is not accessible via the internet.
🚫 Strict Policy on Living Individuals
We do not disclose information about any living Wareham individuals without their explicit consent.
Although we welcome inquiries, we have received inquiries requesting personal data on living Warehams—including children—which raise serious ethical concerns. We immediately deny suspicious requests and, when necessary, report them to the appropriate authorities.
For example, in two separate cases, an individual attempted to bypass our safeguards by submitting identical inquiries from different addresses. After detecting this pattern, we issued a formal warning, stating that their actions were considered suspicious and that any further attempts would be referred to the United Kingdom Metropolitan Police Service for investigation. No further contact was made following this notification.
📬 Managing Researcher Contacts
We strictly follow privacy and safety standards when handling researcher contact requests. We never share the contact details of living individuals without their explicit consent.
All connection requests follow an indirect process:
- When we receive a request, we notify the individual being contacted and inform them that someone wishes to connect.
- If they consent, we share the requester’s contact details with them.
- The individual may then choose to initiate communication. After that, we step back and allow any further exchanges to proceed at their discretion.
We’re happy to facilitate researcher connections—but only when both parties agree.
🌍 Scope of the Wareham Project
The Wareham Project is not a genealogical research service for building individual family trees. Each family is responsible for conducting its own research rather than relying on external sources for complete genealogical records.
For specific inquiries about individuals in our database, we provide only the requested details—such as names, dates, or locations—in line with our Information Exchange Agreement.
We believe genealogy should remain an engaging and rewarding pursuit. To preserve the excitement of discovery, we do not conduct exhaustive research on behalf of individuals. We will not research your family tree for you.
Genealogy Page Two – Family Wareham
Genealogy Page Three – Family Wareham
🗄️ Data Retention Policy
FamilyWareham retains personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill its original purpose. We never use data beyond its intended scope, and we retain it only with the owner’s explicit consent.
When the data is no longer needed—or if the owner withdraws consent—we securely delete it from our records.
🧾 Your Rights Over Your Data
If you’ve provided contact information or submitted a research request through our website, we securely store your data in our contact file. You have the right to:
- Request copies of any communications or personal data we hold about you
- Request the deletion of your personal information at any time
To request data removal, please visit the Contacts page and use the subject line: “Request to remove my contact data.” Be sure to clearly outline your expectations and the reason for your request. We’ll confirm the deletion via email once we’ve processed it.
Data Retention & Past Deletions
Please be aware that some data may have already been removed due to the following reasons:
- The information was not necessary for retention
- Data was inadvertently deleted, particularly during system upgrades
- During the COVID-19 lockdown, a data loss occurred while transitioning to Windows 10. Some contact records were lost in the transfer process, and old hard drives were securely destroyed to ensure data protection.
Rest assured, no data was—or is—at risk.
📚 Research Conduct & Accuracy
For over 30 years, we’ve received inquiries and challenges about the accuracy and provenance of our genealogical research. We remain firmly committed to maintaining the highest standards by sourcing all information from verified, recognized, and properly documented records.
💬 Respectful Communication
We do not tolerate abusive or aggressive emails, feedback, or correspondence. We welcome constructive inquiries and thoughtful challenges, but we ask that all communication remain professional and respectful at all times.
🧭 Guidelines for Challenges & Inquiries
We welcome open dialogue from anyone seeking clarification or wishing to challenge information. To support constructive discussion, please include:
- The specific source of your claim
- Supporting evidence relevant to the challenge
- A clear explanation of your reasoning
Our approach emphasizes collaboration—not disproving the work of others. We aim to foster thoughtful discussion and teamwork in genealogical research. If you identify discrepancies, please contact us, and we’ll review the relevant sources accordingly.
Over the years, we’ve received several challenges to our data. In every case, we’ve re-verified the source and content. On a few occasions, we’ve amended our records—always with appreciation for the contributors who brought the issues to light.
🌐 Access & Website Policy
The FamilyWareham website—focused on Wareham family history and genealogy—does not provide account-based access or login services. As a closed platform, we do not offer direct access to database records.
All research inquiries and data exchanges are handled through our contact forms and governed by our Information Exchange Agreement.
©️ Copyright & Content Usage
We are currently updating this guideline to clarify how users may use content from our website, including restrictions on reproduction, redistribution, and citation. Update to follow.
📜 Terms of Use
We are preparing a concise overview of acceptable use for our website to ensure respectful, ethical engagement by all visitors. Update to follow.
📝 Data Correction Requests
We are drafting a clear policy to guide users on how to request corrections if they believe an error exists in the genealogical data. Update to follow.
🌱 A Final Word
We encourage all researchers to pursue their own genealogical journeys with curiosity and care. May your work be rewarding, and your discoveries meaningful.
Good Hunting!
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