Locating relevant archive material in the
UK
Further information about other local archive
repositories is available on this site.
National Resources
National Register of
Archives
Summary digital version of long-established paper-based resource.
More comprehensive, but more summary information. You can only
search by corporate name, personal or family name, or place, not by
subject or keyword. Simple format - search results give standard,
summary information about collections. Usually includes direct link
to respective repository and/or online catalogue.
A2A - Access to Archives
Catalogues relating to archives held in England. Can provide very
detailed information, but is not comprehensive. Complex results -
including several levels of information. Search results may be
collection-level descriptions or entries to individual items. Read
guide to database first.
Archives Hub
Database gateway to archives held in universities and colleges.
Free text search. Clear layout - split screen - lists of search
results with links to summary or more detailed collection-level
descriptions.
Specialist databases
Providing
information on sources within historical themes - eg Genesis
(sources for women's history). Your tutor may be able to suggest
sites within your area of interest. A good list of thematic and
specialist sites relating to archive resources can be found on the
History
Online website
Archives
Online
Contact details for record repositories in the
United Kingdom and also for institutions elsewhere in the world
which have substantial collections of manuscripts. Includes website
addresses. It is always worth looking at the website of a record
office you are planning to visit, or even one which you think might
have relevant material - many have online catalogues or guides.
Historical
Directories
Online resource containing digitised versions of local and
trade directories for England and Wales, from 1750 to
1919.
Medieval and early modern
palaeography site by DA Postles
Things to think about:
- Are there resources which are in a record office that you can
get to easily
- Will there be any problems reading the records? - handwriting
pre c. 1750 uses some different letter forms, and some records will
be in Latin. Some 19th century handwriting (eg in private letters)
is just illegible!
- Have transcripts of the records been published?
- Always ring or e-mail before visiting a record office - places
may be limited, or records stored at a distance from the reading
room.
- Bring pencils (or a laptop) rather than pens