England Archives and Libraries: Difference between revisions

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Archives collect and preserve original documents of organizations, such as churches or governments. Libraries generally collect published sources such as books, maps, and microfilm. This section describes England’s major repositories of genealogical and historical records and sources.
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*'''Archives''' collect and preserve '''original documents''' of organizations such as churches or governments. '''Libraries''' generally collect '''published sources''' such as books, maps, and microfilm.  
*'''If you plan to visit a repository, contact them''' and ask for information about their collection, hours, services, and fees. Ask if they require you to have a reader’s ticket (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) to view the records, and ask how to obtain one.
*Although the records you need may be in an archive or library, the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog '''FamilySearch Library'''] may have microfilmed and/or digitized copies of them.
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If you plan to visit one of these repositories, write and ask about the collection, hours they are open, services, and fees several weeks before you arrive. Ask if you need a “reader’s ticket” (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) and how to obtain one.
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==Archives==
===The National Archives===
*{{main|The National Archives}}
'''The National Archives'''<br>Kew, Richmond<br>Surrey TW9 4DU<br>England<br><br>Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8876 3444<br>[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/contact-us/ Contact us]<br>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Website]<br>[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/?research-category=family-history Family history research guides]<br>[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/#find-a-research-guide Additional research guides]<br>[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/?letter=&search=&research-category=online Online collections]<br>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/ Discovery (Catalogue)] Access records held by The National Archives and more than 2,500 other archives.
:[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/discovery-help/what-is-discovery/ What is Discovery?]<br>


Remember, the Family History Library may have printed or microfilmed copies of the records you need.
[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/paying-for-research/ Paying for research]<br>
[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/recordcopying/ Ordering copies]
<br>
----
[https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/find-an-archive/ '''Find an archive in the UK and beyond'''] Links to 2,341 archives listed in The National Archives. Most archives have publications that describe their collections and how to use them. Some are online. Others are in print. If possible, study these guides before you visit or use the records, so you can use your time more effectively.
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[[Image:The National Archives, England.jpg|thumb|right|The National Archives, England.jpg]]
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====Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts Commission====
*[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sector/our-archives-sector-role/historical-manuscripts-commission/ '''Historical Manuscripts Commission''']
'''The Historical Manuscripts Commission joined with the Public Record Office in 2003 to form The National Archives.'''  It has responsibility for the Manorial Documents Register and the National Register of Archives (NRA) and has been working to inventory records that are in archives and private collections. The National Register of Archives (NRA) includes over 191,000 lists of manuscript collections and close to 5,000 finding aids and annual reports from various repositories.
*These lists are indexed and can be searched online at [https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/find-an-archive '''National Register of Archives'''].
*Part of the Manorial Documents Register is also online at [https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/manor-search '''Manorial Documents Register'''].
*The FamilySearch Library has a topographical index to the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/119923?availability=Family%20History%20Library '''''Publications of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts'''''.] These indexes are divided into three sections: people, businesses, and organizations.
*The commission has also published several inventories and reports, some of which are available through the FamilySearch Library at [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&query=%2Btitle%3ARoyal%20%2Btitle%3ACommission%20%2Btitle%3Aon%20%2Btitle%3AHistorical%20%2Btitle%3AManuscripts '''“Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.”''']


The major types of repositories holding records of genealogical value are:
*The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. Guides to Sources for British History based on the National Register of Archives. '''''Guide To The Location Of Collections Described in the Reports and Calendars Series 1870-1980'''''. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 1982. (FS Library book {{FSC|20593|title-id|disp=942 H25gs vol.3}}; computer number 0204994, BYU FS Library book '''DA 30 .X1 G84'''.) [https://www.worldcat.org/title/9465022 '''WorldCat''']


National archives and libraries
==== National Inventory of Documentary Source in the United Kingdom and Ireland  ====
"The National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland" is a microfilm collection of calendars and finding aids for British archives, libraries, and museums. It provides a detailed listing of the box, folder, and sometimes individual documents contained in various collections.
*A name and subject index to this collection ("Index to National inventory of documentary sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland") is available in a few archives and libraries, including the FamilySearch Library (FS Library film {{FSC|370600|title-id|disp=6341118}}).
*[https://archives.chadwyck.com/marketing/about.jsp '''Archive Finder'''] ($) includes online indexing by names and detailed subject for over 47,000 collections whose finding aids have been published separately in '''ProQuest UMI's microfiche series,''' '''''National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland'''''.


County record offices
===County Archives, Libraries, Museums, and Record Offices===
Here you will find links to Wiki articles providing information and links to  archives, libraries, museums, and record offices at the county level:
<ul class="column-spacing-fullscreen">
<li>[[Bedfordshire Archives and Libraries|Bedfordshire]]</li>
<li>[[Berkshire Archives and Libraries|Berkshire]] </li>
<li>[[Buckinghamshire Archives and Libraries|Buckinghamshire]] </li>
<li>[[Cambridgeshire Archives and Libraries|Cambridgeshire]] </li>
<li>[[Cheshire Archives and Libraries|Cheshire]]</li>
<li>[[Cornwall Archives and Libraries|Cornwall]]</li>
<li>[[Cumberland Archives and Libraries|Cumberland]]</li>
<li>[[Derbyshire Archives and Libraries|Derbyshire]]</li>
<li>[[Devon Archives and Libraries|Devon]]</li>
<li>[[Dorset Archives and Libraries|Dorset]]</li>
<li>[[Durham Archives and Libraries|Durham]]</li>
<li>[[Essex Archives and Libraries|Essex]]</li>
<li>[[Gloucestershire Archives and Libraries|Gloucestershire]] </li>
<li>[[Hampshire Archives and Libraries|Hampshire]] </li>
<li>[[Herefordshire Archives and Libraries|Herefordshire]]</li>
<li>[[Hertfordshire Archives and Libraries|Hertfordshire]] </li>
<li>[[Huntingdonshire Archives and Libraries|Huntingdonshire]] </li>
<li>[[Kent Archives and Libraries|Kent]] </li>
<li>[[Lancashire Archives and Libraries|Lancashire]] </li>
<li>[[Leicestershire Archives and Libraries|Leicestershire]] </li>
<li>[[Lincolnshire Archives and Libraries|Lincolnshire]] </li>
<li>[[London Archives and Libraries|London]]</li>
<li>[[Middlesex Archives and Libraries|Middlesex]] </li>
<li>[[Norfolk Archives and Libraries|Norfolk]] </li>
<li>[[Northamptonshire Archives and Libraries|Northamptonshire]] </li>
<li>[[Northumberland Archives and Libraries|Northumberland]] </li>
<li>[[Nottinghamshire Archives and Libraries|Nottinghamshire]] </li>
<li>[[Oxfordshire Archives and Libraries|Oxfordshire]] </li>
<li>[[Rutland Archives and Libraries|Rutland]] </li>
<li>[[Shropshire Archives and Libraries|Shropshire]]</li>
<li>[[Somerset Archives and Libraries|Somerset]] </li>
<li>[[Staffordshire Archives and Libraries|Staffordshire]]</li>
<li>[[Suffolk Archives and Libraries|Suffolk]] </li>
<li>[[Surrey Archives and Libraries|Surrey]] </li>
<li>[[Sussex Archives and Libraries|Sussex]] </li>
<li>[[Warwickshire Archives and Libraries|Warwickshire]]</li>
<li>[[Westmorland Archives and Libraries|Westmorland]] </li>
<li>[[Wiltshire Archives and Libraries|Wiltshire]] </li>
<li>[[Worcestershire Archives and Libraries|Worcestershire]]</li>
<li>[[Yorkshire Archives and Libraries|Yorkshire]]</li>
</ul>


Public libraries
===City, University, Occupational, and Ecclesiastical Archives ===
City, university, occupational, and ecclesiastical archives also hold family history information. Holdings and services vary widely.
*[https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/find-an-archive/ '''Find an archive in the UK and beyond'''] Links to 2,341 archives listed by The National Archives.
*[https://www.cyndislist.com/uk/eng/libraries/?page=1 '''Cyndi's List'''] provides 92 links to a '''variety of archives across a wide spectrum of specialties'''.
----
*'''British Newspaper Archives'''<br>Colindale Avenue,<br>London NW9 5HE<br>England<br> [http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk Website]<br>[https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do Search index for digital newspapers]


Local history libraries
=== Special Archives ===
 
Special archives
 
== National Archives and Libraries ==
 
The following repositories house materials about England:
 
'''National Archives.'''
 
The National Archives collects records of the central government (such as parliamentary papers) and law courts from 1086 to the present. These records provide a wealth of information for the family researcher but are best used after you have gathered information elsewhere. You must have a reader’s ticket to use this collection. The staff does not do research but will usually do brief searches if you supply enough information. You can write to this office at the following address:
 
National Archives
 
Ruskin Avenue, Kew
 
Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU
 
England
 
For a detailed list of the records housed in the National Archives, see:
 
Great Britain. Public Records Office. Kew Lists. Microfiche edition. Norwich, England: HMSO Books, 1988. This work comprises the Public Record Office Current Guide together with the Class Lists to Records of Modern Government Departments Held at The Public Record Office, Kew. It does not list records held at Chancery Lane before the two offices were combined. There are 3,542 microfiche and a manuscript introduction. (FHL book 942 A3gp; computer number 0541219.)
 
For other helpful guides to the National Archives, see:
 
Bevan, Amanda, and Andrea Duncan. Tracing Your Ancestors in the Public Record Office. 4th edition. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1995. (FHL book 942 A5p no. 19 1995; computer number 0529932.)
 
Cox, Jane. New to Kew?: a first time guide for family historians at the Public Record Office, Kew. Kew, England: Public Record Office, 1997. (FHL book 942 D27cjn; computer number 0226612.)
 
The National Archives has a Web site at:
 
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
 
<br />Information is also accessible through the GENUKI Web site at:
 
[http://www.genuki.org.uk/ www.genuki.org.uk]
 
'''Office for National Statistics.'''
 
The Office for National Statistics (formerly known as the General Register Office) houses government birth, marriage, and death certificates from 1 July 1837 to the present for all of England. Copies of the records of the Office for National Statistics are housed at the Family Records Centre in London. See the “Civil Registration” section of this outline for the address.
 
The Family Records Centre also has copies of census records from 1841to1891, nonconformist church records, probate records, Regimental Registers, and Chaplain’s Returns.
 
'''The British Library.'''
 
The British Library is the national repository for all published materials in England. Because its collection is so complex, usually only experienced researchers use it. The library has several departments. The following are the most useful to family history researchers:
 
British Library at St. Pancras
 
96 Euston Road
 
London NW1 2DB
 
England
 
British Library Newspaper Library
 
Colindale Avenue,
 
London NW9 5HE
 
England
 
''''''
 
'''<br />The Guildhall Library.'''
 
The Guildhall Library has many guild (occupation) and business records, kept at:
 
Guildhall Library
 
Aldermanbury
 
London EC2P 2EJ
 
England
 
The Guildhall Library also has Lloyd’s Marine Collection (see the “Merchant Marine” article) and London city parish registers.
 
'''The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.'''<br />This repository houses the Manorial Documents Register and the National Register of Archives (NRA). The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts has been working to inventory records that are in archives and private collections. They have a finding aid called the National Register of Archives (NRA) which includes over 191,000 lists of manuscript collections and close to 5,000 finding aids and annual reports from various repositories. These lists are indexed.
 
The Family History Library has a topographical index to the reports of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts on microfiche 6021002 through 6021007. These indexes are divided into three sections: people, businesses, and organizations. The commission has also published several inventories and reports, some of which are available through the Family History Library. Look in the Author/Title Search of the library catalog under “Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.” Also check the Locality search under:
 
GREAT BRITAIN - HISTORY - SOURCES
 
GREAT BRITAIN - HISTORY - SOURCES - INDEXES
 
Many of the records described by the commission have changed hands since being examined. For information about the present location of records surveyed by the commission see:
 
The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. Guides to Sources for British History based on the National Register of Archives. Guide To The Location Of Collections Described in the Reports and Calendars Series 1870-1980. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 1982. (FHL book 942 H25gs vol.3; computer number 0204994.)
 
The records are housed at:
 
Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts<br />Quality House<br />Quality Court<br />Chancery Lane<br />London WC2A 1HF<br />England
 
The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts has a Web site at:
 
[http://www.hmc.gov.uk/ www.hmc.gov.uk/]
 
Searches can be made in indexes created by the commission on their home page. Also, there are links from the home page to both the Manorial Documents Register and the National Register of Archives.
 
Information is also accessible through the GENUKI Web site at:
 
[http://www.genuki.org.uk/ www.genuki.org.uk]
 
== County Record Offices ==
 
In England each county has one or more offices that house records about the particular county. Records of genealogical value in these offices include land records, church records, taxation records, probate records, miscellaneous indexes, and collections. Some county record offices have personal or place-name indexes to some of the records in their collection.
 
County record offices are open to the public. Some require a reader’s ticket. If you write for information, be as concise as possible. The offices are small and have limited staff, so you may have to wait a few weeks for a reply. If staff members are unable to search their records, you may ask for a list of record agents who can search the records for you.
 
Two books listing addresses for county record offices are:
 
Church, Rosemary, and Jean Cole. In and Around Record Repositories in Great Britain and Ireland. 3rd ed. Huntingdon, Cambridge: Family Tree Magazine, 1992. (FHL book 942 J54cj; computer number 0673604.) This gives street and mailing addresses and maps showing the locations of offices.
 
Record Repositories in Great Britain: A Geographical Guide. 10th ed. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1997. (FHL book 942 J54r 1997; computer number 0638954.) This gives street and mailing addresses of the repositories, along with their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and Internet sites.
 
== Public Libraries ==
 
Public libraries collect many published sources such as local histories, city directories, maps, newspapers, family histories, and parish registers. You can find addresses for public libraries in:
 
Harrold, Ann, ed. Libraries in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland 1991. 18th ed. London: The Library Association Publishing Limited, 1991. (FHL book 942 A5lu; computer number 0193703.)
 
== Local History Societies ==
 
Local history society librarians collect and write histories of the people and places in their area. Addresses of local history societies are in the following books:
 
Henderson, S.P.A., and A.J.W. Henderson,ed. Directory of British Associations &amp; Associations in Ireland. 13th ed. Beckenham, Kent: CBD Research Ltd., 1996. (FHL book 942 E4hd; computer number 0054630.)
 
Pinhorn, Malcolm. Historical, Archaeological and Kindred Societies in the United Kingdom: A List. Isle of Wight: Pinhorns, 1986. (FHL book 942 C4h 1986; computer number 0370075.) An update to this book was published in 1995.
 
== Special Archives ==


City, university, occupational, and ecclesiastical archives also hold family history information. Holdings and services vary widely. The books by Foster and Moulton described below in “General Guides” give more information about special archives.
City, university, occupational, and ecclesiastical archives also hold family history information. Holdings and services vary widely. The books by Foster and Moulton described below in “General Guides” give more information about special archives.


'''<br />General Guides'''
*[https://catalogue.postalmuseum.org/ British Postal Museum and Archive]
 
*[https://www.bt.com/about/bt/our-history/bt-archives British Telecom Digital Archives] - searchable resources, photos, publications and correspondence back to 1846
Some guides to English archives and libraries are:
*[http://housefraserarchive.ac.uk/ House of Fraser Archive]
 
*[http://johnlewismemorystore.org.uk/ John Lewis Memory Store]
Foster, Janet, and Julia Sheppard. British Archives: A Guide to Archive Resources in the United Kingdom. 3rd ed. New York: Stockton Press Ltd., 1995. (FHL book 942 J54f 1995; computer number 0763911.) This guide lists addresses, major records, and publications of various repositories in the United Kingdom. It is indexed by county and by type of collection.
*[http://www.kzwp.com/lyons/ J. Lyons & Co.] - detailing the Lyons Patisserie Company's history
 
*[https://marksintime.marksandspencer.com/home Marks & Spencer archive] - retail industry archive
Iredale, David. Enjoying Archives: What They Are, Where to Find Them, How to Use Them. Chichester, Sussex: Phillimore &amp; Co. Ltd., 1985. (FHL book 942 A5i 1985; computer number 0183662.) This guide describes the heritage of documents in Great Britain and a few of the archives where documents are stored. It explains the work of the county record office, how the staff preserves manuscripts, and a method for reading old records.
*[https://warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/explorefurther/subject_guides/family_history Modern Records Centre] - information relating to unions and occupations
 
*[https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/collections/about-our-collections/what-we-collect/sainsbury-archive Sainsbury Archive, Museum of London] - digitized archive of the company's in-house magazine since 1946.
Moulton, Joy Wade. Genealogical Resources in English Repositories. Columbus, Ohio: Hampton House, 1988. Supplement published 1992. (FHL book 942 J54m; computer number 0469640.) This book contains addresses and describes the holdings of county record offices, genealogical and family history societies, and other repositories. Maps of repository locations are included.
*[https://more.thestage.co.uk/archive/ The Stage Archive] - over 6,500 issues detailing actors, theatres, and performances
 
*[http://www.unionancestors.co.uk/ Trade Union Ancestors]
'''Inventories, Registers, Catalogs'''
*[https://wcml.org.uk/ Working Class Movement Library] - papers, journals, newsletters, etc. of trade unions
 
Most archives have publications that describe their collections and how to use them. If possible, study these guides before you visit or use the records so you can use your time more effectively.
 
Many published inventories, guides, catalogs, and directories for archives and libraries are listed in the Family History Library Catalog under:
 
ENGLAND - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
 
ENGLAND, [COUNTY] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
 
ENGLAND, [COUNTY], [CITY] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES
 
The National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland is a microfiche collection of calendars and finding aids for British archives, libraries, and museums. It provides a detailed listing of the box, folder, and sometimes individual documents contained in various collections. To find the call numbers, look in the Author/Title Search of the Family History Library Catalog under:
 
NATIONAL INVENTORY OF DOCUMENTARY SOURCES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND
 
A name and subject index to this collection is available (London: Chadwick-Healey, 1986–). (FHL fiche 6341118; compact disc 1313 no. 10.)
 
<br />Locating Web sites for Record Offices and Libraries


You can locate an archive or library’s Web site on the Internet through GENUKI at:


[http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/#Archives www.genuki.org.uk/big/#Archives]
==Libraries==
===The British Library===
The British Library is the national repository for all published materials in England. Because its collection is so complex, usually only experienced researchers use it.<br>


'''Computer Networks and Bulletin Boards'''
'''British Library at St. Pancras'''<br>96 Euston Road<br>London NW1 2DB<br>England<br> [http://www.bl.uk Website] <br>[http://explore.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?vid=BLVU1 Search the main catalogue]<br>
[https://searcharchives.bl.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do Explore Archives and Manuscripts]


Computers with modems can be useful tools for obtaining information from selected archives and libraries. In a way, computer networks themselves serve as a library. The Internet, certain computer bulletin boards, and commercial on-line services help family history researchers:
===Guildhall Library===
Guildhall Library has many guild (occupation) and business records, kept at:  


Locate other researchers.
'''Guildhall Library'''<br>Aldermanbury<br>London EC2P 2EJ<br>England
<br>
[https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/guildhall-library Website]<br>
[https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/guildhall-library/guildhall-library-collections/maritime-collections Maritime Collection] <br>
[https://col.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/ghl City of London Collection]
===The Society of Genealogists===
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The Society of Genealogists has extensive records from all over England. They also have the largest collection of transcribed parish registers in England. The address is: {{Wikipedia|Society of Genealogists}}


Post queries.
'''Society of Genealogists'''<br>
356 Holloway Road<br>
London N7 6PA Ehgland<br>
Telephone: (020) 7251 8799
[http://www.sog.org.uk/ Website]<br>[https://www.sog.org.uk/our-collections/digital-collections-sog-data-online Online collections]<br>[https://www.sog.org.uk/our-collections/ Catalogue]<br>
[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/608065-redirection A catalogue of parish register copies in the possession of the Society of Genealogists, 1963]


Send and receive E-mail.
|
[[Image:Society of Genealogists.jpg|thumb|right]]
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Search large databases.
=== Public Libraries  ===
*[https://librarytechnology.org/libraries/ukpublic/ '''Public Libraries in the United Kingdom'''] This website frequently provides a link to the online catalog of each library in the directory. <br>
Public libraries collect many published sources such as local histories, city directories, maps, newspapers, family histories, and parish registers.


Search computer libraries.
==Record Offices==
===General Register Office===
{{main|General Register Office for England and Wales}}
*[https://www.gov.uk/research-family-history Research your family history using the General Register Office] Gov.UK guide.<br>


Join in computer chat and lecture sessions.
The [http://www.gro.gov.uk/ General Register Office] (part of the Identity and Passport Service) houses government birth, marriage, and death certificates from 1 July 1837 to the present for all of England and Wales. Copies may be obtained either online or by post from the General Register Office or from the local register office where the event was registered.  
==== Ordering certificates ====
'''Postal address:'''</br>
'''Certificate Services Section''' </br>
General Register Office </br>
PO Box 2 </br>
Southport PR8 2JD England<br>


You can find computerized research tips and information about ancestors from England in a variety of sources at the local, county, national, or international level. The list of sources is growing rapidly and most of the information is available at no cost.
Email: {{email|certificate.services@gro.gsi.gov.uk}}</br>
Website: [https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/default.asp Certificate ordering service]</br>
Telephone: +44 (0)300 123 1837 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. Saturday 9am to 4pm)</br>


The FamilySearch™ Internet Genealogy Service at www.familysearch.org. This Web site, created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, may help you with your family history by allowing you to:
=== County Record Offices  ===
Links to County and City Record Offices:


Search the Church’s family history databases that are available on-line.
<ul class="column-spacing-fullscreen">
<li>[[Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service|Bedfordshire]]</li>
<li>[[Berkshire Record Office|Berkshire]]</li>
<li>[[Bristol Record Office|Bristol]]</li>
<li>[[Buckinghamshire Archives|Buckinghamshire Archives]] </li>
<li>[[Cambridgeshire Archives|Cambridgeshire]] </li>
<li>[[Cheshire Archives and Libraries|Cheshire]] </li>
<li>[[Cornwall Record Office|Cornwall]] </li>
<li>[[Cumbria Archive Service, Barrow|Cumberland (Barrow)]]</li>
<li>[[Cumbria Archive Service, Carlisle|Cumberland (Carlisle)]]</li>
<li>[[Cumbria Archive Service, Whitehaven|Cumberland (Whitehaven)]]</li>
<li>[[Derbyshire Record Office|Derbyshire]] </li>
<li>[[Devon Heritage Centre|Devon]] </li>
<li>[[Plymouth and West Devon Record Office|Devon(Plymouth and West Devon)]] </li>
<li>[[North Devon Record Office|Devon, North]] </li>
<li>[[Doncaster Archives|Doncaster]] </li>
<li>[[Dorset History Centre|Dorset]] </li>
<li>[[Durham County Record Office|Durham]] </li>
<li>[[East Riding of Yorkshire Archives and Local Studies Service|East Riding of Yorkshire]] </li>
<li>[[Essex Record Office|Essex]] </li>
<li>[[Gloucestershire Archives|Gloucestershire]] </li>
<li>[[Hampshire Archives and Local Studies|Hampshire]] </li>
<li>[[Herefordshire Record Office|Herefordshire]] </li>
<li>[[Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies|Hertfordshire]] </li>
<li>[[Huntingdonshire Archives|Huntingdonshire]] </li>
<li>[[Kent History and Library Centre|Kent]] </li>
<li>[[Lancashire Archives|Lancashire]] </li>
<li>[[Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Record Office|Leicestershire]] </li>
<li>[[Lichfield Record Office|Lichfield]] </li>
<li>[[Lincolnshire Archives|Lincolnshire]] </li>
<li>[[London Metropolitan Archives|London]] </li>
<li>[[Manchester Archives and Local Studies|Manchester]] </li>
<li>[[London Metropolitan Archives|Middlesex]] </li>
<li>[[Norfolk Record Office|Norfolk]] </li>
<li>[[North Yorkshire Record Office|North Yorkshire]] </li>
<li>[[Northamptonshire Record Office|Northamptonshire]] </li>
<li>[[Northumberland Archives|Northumberland]] </li>
<li>[[Nottinghamshire Archives|Nottinghamshire]] </li>
<li>[[Oxfordshire History Centre|Oxfordshire]] </li>
<li>[[Rotherham Archives and Local Studies Library|Rotherham]] </li>
<li>[[Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Record Office|Rutland]] </li>
<li>[[Shropshire Archives|Shropshire]] </li>
<li>[[Somerset Archives and Local Studies|Somerset]] </li>
<li>[[Barnsley Archives and Local Studies Library|South Yorkshire (Barnsley)]] </li>
<li>[[Sheffield Archives and Local Studies Library|South Yorkshire (Sheffield)]] </li>
<li>[[Staffordshire Record Office|Staffordshire]] </li>
<li>[[Suffolk Record Office, Bury St Edmunds|Suffolk (Bury St Edmunds)]] </li>
<li>[[Suffolk Record Office, Ipswich|Suffolk (Ipswich)]] </li>
<li>[[Suffolk Record Office, Lowestoft|Suffolk (Lowestoft)]] </li>
<li>[[Surrey History Centre|Surrey]] </li>
<li>[[East Sussex Record Office|Sussex, East]] </li>
<li>[[West Sussex Record Office|Sussex, West]] </li>
<li>[[West Yorkshire Archive Service|Yorkshire, West]] </li>
<li>[[Warwickshire County Record Office|Warwickshire]] </li>
<li>[[Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal|Westmorland (Kendal)]] </li>
<li>[[Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre|Wiltshire]] </li>
<li>[[Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service|Worcestershire]] </li>
</ul>


Coordinate your research efforts with others.
----
See [[England Archives and Libraries#County Archives, Libraries, Museums, and Record Offices|'''County Archives, Libraries, Museums, and Record Offices''']], above for links to an Archives and Libraries Wiki article for each county .<br>
*In England each, county has one or more offices that house records about the particular county. Records of genealogical value in these offices include '''land records, church records, taxation records, probate records, miscellaneous indexes, and collections.'''
*Some county record offices have '''personal or place-name indexes''' to some of the records in their collection.
*County record offices are open to the public. Some require a reader’s ticket.
*If you write for information, '''be as concise as possible'''. The offices are small and have limited staff, so you may have to wait a few weeks for a reply.
*If staff members are unable to search their records, you may ask for a list of record agents who can search the records for you.
----
'''Reference books giving addresses and maps locating county record offices:'''<br>
*Gibson, J.S.W. and Pamela Peskett. ''Record Offices--How to Find Them''. [England]: Federation of Family History Societies, c1987. {{FSC|607503|item|disp=FS Library Collection}}. [https://www.worldcat.org/title/51113107 WorldCat].
*Church, Rosemary, and Jean Cole. ''In and Around Record Repositories in Great Britain and Ireland''. 3rd ed. Huntingdon, Cambridge: Family Tree Magazine, 1992. (FS Library book {{FSC|581871|title-id|disp=942 J54cj}}; computer number 0673604.) This gives street and mailing addresses and maps showing the locations of offices. [https://www.worldcat.org/title/43539018 WorldCat].
*''Record Repositories in Great Britain: A Geographical Guide''. 10th ed. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1997. (FS Library book {{FSC|970173|title-id|disp=942 J54r}} 1999; computer number 0638954.) This gives street and mailing addresses of the repositories, along with their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and Internet sites. [https://www.worldcat.org/title/10270475 WorldCat].


Preserve and share your genealogy.
== General Guides  ==


Search other Internet sites for information about your ancestors.
Some guides to English archives and libraries are:
*Foster, Janet, and Julia Sheppard. '''''British Archives: A Guide to Archive Resources in the United Kingdom'''''. 3rd ed. New York: Stockton Press Ltd., 1995. (FS Library book {{FSC|754083|title-id|disp=942 J54f}} 1995; computer number 0763911.) (BYU FS Library book '''CD 1040 .F67 2001 4th ed.''') This guide lists addresses, major records, and publications of various repositories in the United Kingdom. It is indexed by county and by type of collection.
*Iredale, David. '''''Enjoying Archives: What They Are, Where to Find Them, How to Use Them'''''. Chichester, Sussex: Phillimore &amp; Co. Ltd., 1985. (FS Library book {{FSC|137460|title-id|disp=942 A5i}} 1985; computer number 0183662.) This guide describes the heritage of documents in Great Britain and a few of the archives where documents are stored. It explains the work of the county record office, how the staff preserves manuscripts, and a method for reading old records.
*Moulton, Joy Wade. '''''Genealogical Resources in English Repositories'''''. Columbus, Ohio: Hampton House, 1988. Supplement published 1992. (FS Library book {{FSC|595603|title-id|disp=942 J54m}}; computer number 0469640.) (BYU FS Library book '''CS 414 .X1 M94 1996.''') This book contains addresses and describes the holdings of county record offices, genealogical and family history societies, and other repositories. Maps of repository locations are included.  


Addresses on the Internet change frequently. The following site is an important gateway linking you to many more network and bulletin board sites:


[http://www.genuki.org.uk/ www.genuki.org.uk]


GENUKI is a cooperative effort by many genealogical and historical societies to list databases, libraries, bulletin boards, and other resources available on the Internet for parishes and counties.
[[Category:England_Archives_and_Libraries]]

Latest revision as of 12:17, 20 March 2024


England Wiki Topics
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Record Types
England Background
England Genealogical Word Lists
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources
  • Archives collect and preserve original documents of organizations such as churches or governments. Libraries generally collect published sources such as books, maps, and microfilm.
  • If you plan to visit a repository, contact them and ask for information about their collection, hours, services, and fees. Ask if they require you to have a reader’s ticket (a paper indicating you are a responsible researcher) to view the records, and ask how to obtain one.
  • Although the records you need may be in an archive or library, the FamilySearch Library may have microfilmed and/or digitized copies of them.
Archives and Libraries.jpg

Archives[edit | edit source]

The National Archives[edit | edit source]

Main article: The National Archives

The National Archives
Kew, Richmond
Surrey TW9 4DU
England

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8876 3444
Contact us
Website
Family history research guides
Additional research guides
Online collections
Discovery (Catalogue) Access records held by The National Archives and more than 2,500 other archives.

What is Discovery?

Paying for research
Ordering copies

Find an archive in the UK and beyond Links to 2,341 archives listed in The National Archives. Most archives have publications that describe their collections and how to use them. Some are online. Others are in print. If possible, study these guides before you visit or use the records, so you can use your time more effectively.

The National Archives, England.jpg

Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts Commission[edit | edit source]

The Historical Manuscripts Commission joined with the Public Record Office in 2003 to form The National Archives. It has responsibility for the Manorial Documents Register and the National Register of Archives (NRA) and has been working to inventory records that are in archives and private collections. The National Register of Archives (NRA) includes over 191,000 lists of manuscript collections and close to 5,000 finding aids and annual reports from various repositories.

  • The Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. Guides to Sources for British History based on the National Register of Archives. Guide To The Location Of Collections Described in the Reports and Calendars Series 1870-1980. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 1982. (FS Library book 942 H25gs vol.3; computer number 0204994, BYU FS Library book DA 30 .X1 G84.) WorldCat

National Inventory of Documentary Source in the United Kingdom and Ireland[edit | edit source]

"The National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland" is a microfilm collection of calendars and finding aids for British archives, libraries, and museums. It provides a detailed listing of the box, folder, and sometimes individual documents contained in various collections.

  • A name and subject index to this collection ("Index to National inventory of documentary sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland") is available in a few archives and libraries, including the FamilySearch Library (FS Library film 6341118).
  • Archive Finder ($) includes online indexing by names and detailed subject for over 47,000 collections whose finding aids have been published separately in ProQuest UMI's microfiche series, National Inventory of Documentary Sources in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

County Archives, Libraries, Museums, and Record Offices[edit | edit source]

Here you will find links to Wiki articles providing information and links to archives, libraries, museums, and record offices at the county level:

City, University, Occupational, and Ecclesiastical Archives[edit | edit source]

City, university, occupational, and ecclesiastical archives also hold family history information. Holdings and services vary widely.

Special Archives[edit | edit source]

City, university, occupational, and ecclesiastical archives also hold family history information. Holdings and services vary widely. The books by Foster and Moulton described below in “General Guides” give more information about special archives.


Libraries[edit | edit source]

The British Library[edit | edit source]

The British Library is the national repository for all published materials in England. Because its collection is so complex, usually only experienced researchers use it.

British Library at St. Pancras
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB
England
Website
Search the main catalogue
Explore Archives and Manuscripts

Guildhall Library[edit | edit source]

Guildhall Library has many guild (occupation) and business records, kept at:

Guildhall Library
Aldermanbury
London EC2P 2EJ
England
Website
Maritime Collection
City of London Collection

The Society of Genealogists[edit | edit source]

The Society of Genealogists has extensive records from all over England. They also have the largest collection of transcribed parish registers in England. The address is:
Wikipedia has more about this subject: Society of Genealogists

Society of Genealogists
356 Holloway Road
London N7 6PA Ehgland
Telephone: (020) 7251 8799 Website
Online collections
Catalogue
A catalogue of parish register copies in the possession of the Society of Genealogists, 1963

Society of Genealogists.jpg

Public Libraries[edit | edit source]

Public libraries collect many published sources such as local histories, city directories, maps, newspapers, family histories, and parish registers.

Record Offices[edit | edit source]

General Register Office[edit | edit source]

Main article: General Register Office for England and Wales

The General Register Office (part of the Identity and Passport Service) houses government birth, marriage, and death certificates from 1 July 1837 to the present for all of England and Wales. Copies may be obtained either online or by post from the General Register Office or from the local register office where the event was registered.

Ordering certificates[edit | edit source]

Postal address:
Certificate Services Section
General Register Office
PO Box 2
Southport PR8 2JD England

Email: certificate.services@gro.gsi.gov.uk
Website: Certificate ordering service
Telephone: +44 (0)300 123 1837 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. Saturday 9am to 4pm)

County Record Offices[edit | edit source]

Links to County and City Record Offices:

See County Archives, Libraries, Museums, and Record Offices, above for links to an Archives and Libraries Wiki article for each county .

  • In England each, county has one or more offices that house records about the particular county. Records of genealogical value in these offices include land records, church records, taxation records, probate records, miscellaneous indexes, and collections.
  • Some county record offices have personal or place-name indexes to some of the records in their collection.
  • County record offices are open to the public. Some require a reader’s ticket.
  • If you write for information, be as concise as possible. The offices are small and have limited staff, so you may have to wait a few weeks for a reply.
  • If staff members are unable to search their records, you may ask for a list of record agents who can search the records for you.

Reference books giving addresses and maps locating county record offices:

  • Gibson, J.S.W. and Pamela Peskett. Record Offices--How to Find Them. [England]: Federation of Family History Societies, c1987. FS Library Collection. WorldCat.
  • Church, Rosemary, and Jean Cole. In and Around Record Repositories in Great Britain and Ireland. 3rd ed. Huntingdon, Cambridge: Family Tree Magazine, 1992. (FS Library book 942 J54cj; computer number 0673604.) This gives street and mailing addresses and maps showing the locations of offices. WorldCat.
  • Record Repositories in Great Britain: A Geographical Guide. 10th ed. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1997. (FS Library book 942 J54r 1999; computer number 0638954.) This gives street and mailing addresses of the repositories, along with their telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and Internet sites. WorldCat.

General Guides[edit | edit source]

Some guides to English archives and libraries are:

  • Foster, Janet, and Julia Sheppard. British Archives: A Guide to Archive Resources in the United Kingdom. 3rd ed. New York: Stockton Press Ltd., 1995. (FS Library book 942 J54f 1995; computer number 0763911.) (BYU FS Library book CD 1040 .F67 2001 4th ed.) This guide lists addresses, major records, and publications of various repositories in the United Kingdom. It is indexed by county and by type of collection.
  • Iredale, David. Enjoying Archives: What They Are, Where to Find Them, How to Use Them. Chichester, Sussex: Phillimore & Co. Ltd., 1985. (FS Library book 942 A5i 1985; computer number 0183662.) This guide describes the heritage of documents in Great Britain and a few of the archives where documents are stored. It explains the work of the county record office, how the staff preserves manuscripts, and a method for reading old records.
  • Moulton, Joy Wade. Genealogical Resources in English Repositories. Columbus, Ohio: Hampton House, 1988. Supplement published 1992. (FS Library book 942 J54m; computer number 0469640.) (BYU FS Library book CS 414 .X1 M94 1996.) This book contains addresses and describes the holdings of county record offices, genealogical and family history societies, and other repositories. Maps of repository locations are included.

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

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