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Archives store and preserve the recorded history of people’s lives, their families, communities, workplaces, schools, institutions, businesses and other organisations and governing bodies. They’re our history and our heritage. |
If you’re new to archives, you may find yourself thinking or asking the following ….
- They’re a load of dusty old papers and files, aren't they?
Archives do contain old documents, some dating back to medieval times but most are from the 19th and 20th century, and they’re not dusty. Archivists go to a lot of trouble to control the temperature and humidity of storerooms so their collections don't deteriorate. Archives aren’t just collections of documents either. You can also find books, leaflets, pamphlets, newspapers, photographs, plans, maps, letters, diaries, sound recordings and films. Many records can be seen on microfiche, microfilm CD-ROM, DVD and on computer.
- I've heard only professors and educated types are allowed to look through archives.
Anyone can visit an archive and ask to see an original item, providing there are no access restrictions or closure conditions. This will be clearly indicated in the catalogue. You may have to wear white gloves when looking at very old or fragile documents, but otherwise it’s a hands on occasion.
Online catalogues like A2A, National Archives and Documents Online mean anyone can search an archive quickly and easily in the comfort of their own home. Some Record Offices have searchable online catalogues too.
- I bet only professors and educated types would be able to read and understand what old documents say.
Some original records may be written in Olde English or squiggly handwriting, but many are written in everyday English in legible handwriting, or are printed. Many records have also been transcribed.
Download example of London Gazette (286.26KB)
There may be an occasion when you will need an expert who can read illegible handwriting (a palaeographer) or can translate Latin. You can ask staff if they can point you in the direction of someone who can help (use a search engine), or you can use online resources to find your own expert, or do it yourself through an online tutorial. See: http://paleo.anglo-norman.org/medfram.html
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/paleography
- Archives wouldn't have anything of interest to me, would they?
You wouldn’t like to know about a historical personality’s life, or find
the history of a local football team? You’re a family historian and you wouldn’t
like to know the name of the father absent from a birth certificate? You don’t
want to know if one of your ancestors was ever in court? You wouldn’t like to
read the minutes of the council meeting where they made decisions about your
neighbourhood? You wouldn’t like to see your Great Grandfather’s medal card?
If you’ve any interest in ordinary people from all walks of life, how they
lived and who made the decisions about their lives – then archives are for
you.
Download
Salford Quarter Sessions Prosecutors Bill (71.51KB image courtesy of
Lancashire Record Office)
- They’ve got tons of stuff and I bet I’d never find anything
All archive material is given a number, which is then written in a catalogue along with a description. Friendly helpful staff who know where everything is will help you solve the mysteries of their catalogues and tell you about their holdings. If they don’t know, they’ll know somebody who does.
Also, many catalogues are now available on line and what you’re looking for may be only a click away.
- I don’t know where to find archives.
Archive buildings, or repositories, may be a Record Office, library or even a company’s premises..
Visiting an archive’s website will give you information on their holdings, opening hours and contact details.
You may want to get in touch to see if you need to bring identification for a reader’s ticket, or if there is a booking system for microfiche and microfilm viewers.
When visiting an archive, it’ll save time if you plan your research. Take with you any necessary research notes, together with a notebook and pencils. Pens are usually banned as they’re more likely to damage documents.
It’s often useful to first spend some time familiarising yourself with the layout of an archive, where everything is located and the system for requesting items which are not on open display.
- Will I be able to take stuff home to show the kids?
No, archives aren’t libraries but, depending on the item, you may be able to take a photocopy or print off anything that’s online or on CD-ROM. You can also take as many notes as you like.
FINDING AN ARCHIVE
Archon - lists archives and record offices in the United Kingdom
http://www.archon.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/
Access to Archives - has catalogues describing archives held throughout England. If you find records that interest you, there is contact information for the holding archive.
Archives Hub - the archives of United Kingdom Universities and Colleges
The National Archives - (formerly the Public Record Office and the Historical Manuscripts Commission). The National Archives is the repository of Government records in the UK. Useful information sheets and catalogues. Holdings include records of the Royal Courts, Departments of State and other agencies of Central Government dating from the Norman Conquest.
Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU Tel: 020-8876 3444
MORE ARCHIVAL SITES CAN BE FOUND AT THE USEFUL INFORMATION AND LINKS PAGE
