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.  
*'''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.  
*'''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 '''Family History Library'''] may have printed or microfilmed copies of them.  
*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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==Archives==
==The National Archives==
===The National Archives===
*{{main|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.
'''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.
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===Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts Commission===
====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.  
'''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'''].  
*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'''].  
*Part of the Manorial Documents Register is also online at [https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/manor-search '''Manorial Documents Register'''].  
*The Family History 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 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 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 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. (Family History Library book {{FHL|20593|title-id|disp=942 H25gs vol.3}}; computer number 0204994, BYU Family History Library book '''DA 30 .X1 G84'''.) [https://www.worldcat.org/title/9465022 '''WorldCat''']
*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 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 Archives, Libraries, Museums, and 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:  
Here you will find links to Wiki articles providing information and links to  archives, libraries, museums, and record offices at the county level:  
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==City, university, occupational, and ecclesiastical archives ==
===City, University, Occupational, and Ecclesiastical Archives ===
City, university, occupational, and ecclesiastical archives also hold family history information. Holdings and services vary widely.
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://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.
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*'''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]
*'''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]
=== 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.
*[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
*[http://housefraserarchive.ac.uk/ House of Fraser Archive]
*[http://johnlewismemorystore.org.uk/ John Lewis Memory Store]
*[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
*[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.
*[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]
*[https://wcml.org.uk/ Working Class Movement Library] - papers, journals, newsletters, etc. of trade unions


==Libraries==
==Libraries==
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=== County Record Offices  ===
=== County Record Offices  ===
Links to County and City Record Offices:
<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>
----
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>
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.'''
*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.'''
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'''Reference books giving addresses and maps locating county record offices:'''<br>  
'''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. {{FHL|607503|item|disp=FHL Collection}}. [https://www.worldcat.org/title/51113107 WorldCat].
*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. (Family History Library book {{FHL|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].
*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. (Family History Library book {{FHL|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].
*''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].


== General Guides  ==
== General Guides  ==


Some guides to English archives and libraries are:  
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. (Family History Library book {{FHL|754083|title-id|disp=942 J54f}} 1995; computer number 0763911.) (BYU Family History 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.  
*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. (Family History Library book {{FHL|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.  
*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. (Family History Library book {{FHL|595603|title-id|disp=942 J54m}}; computer number 0469640.) (BYU Family History 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.  
*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.  
=== 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 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. A name and subject index to this collection is available in a few archives and libraries, including the Family History Library (FHL fiche {{FHL|370600|title-id|disp=6341118}}; compact disc 1313 no. 10.)






[[Category:England_Archives_and_Libraries]]
[[Category:England_Archives_and_Libraries]]

Latest revision as of 12:17, 20 March 2024


England Wiki Topics
Flag of England
England Beginning Research
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.

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