Genealogy Chat

Hi Tina I went to Shropshire RO a couple of weeks ago If you go on a Tuesday definitely pre-book a micro film reader as its their busiest day. You only need a readers ticket if you want to look at original documents. Have fun Jacqui

Take lots of loose change with you. Some record offices have self service photocopy machines that take change. And I'd agree with the comment about grabbing a member of staff and pleading ignorance about everything (even if you do know about some of the things you are searching for) as it is often much quicker for them to get the records out for you to search. Most are quite helpful, and you get more done in the day that way.

Many thanks to everyone for all that advice. It looks as if I shall be spending the whole of the next week, prior to my actual trip, getting ready for it - sharpening pencils, having photos taken, and double checking what I think I already know! I'm getting all excited now. Tina

Dont forget your glasses ....! it sounds patronising - take notes of what you want to look up. - a ring bound spiral note pad with facts at the top of each sheet serves me well. Wear layers- if you are hot, take it off and if you are cold (usually! ) put it on- Jess

I find that Liverpool Record Office is only ever quiet after 5.00pm. I wouldn't think of going without booking a machine -preferable an electronic one with printer attached for films. Even the fiche readers are busy and you would be very lucky to turn up without a booking and be able to start your research. I think Shropshire might be closed on Monday and also a half day in the week. So definitely contact them first. Google for a website and see what they have. So many local offices have indexes which we can only dream about when we are doing research from afar. I think Shropshire may be one of those. I need to go there one day but it is on my 'wish list' Good luck Kathy

I always take a magnifying glass, for those doubtful entries! If'it's difficult to get back there, you don't want to miss ANYTHING.

One thing you should be very wary of is that the historical boundaries of certain counties have altered quite a bit down the years, and places that were once in one county are now in another, with records split between the two. I've got this problem at the moment with a place that is in the ancient pre-1974 county of Lancashire but is now in the urban sprawl that is Greater Manchester - with the result that although some things are in Lancashire, most of the good stuff is in Manchester. Make sure you're going to the right place! Again, as has already been mentioned, you'll almost certainly need to apply for a Reader's Card on your first visit and nead to produce your driver's licence or some form of ID with your address on it - take two just to be certain. There's no charge, and once you have a CARN card as it's called it's usually good for a few years in most Record Offices anywhere. Avoid taking huge files and ring binders - you'll almost certainly be asked to leave them behind at the entrance. Most have lockers for this purpose which you put a pound in and get it back afterwards. Limit yourself to a few sheets of A4 paper and relevent notes which can be put in a clear plastic folder (the reception desk usually has some of these for visitors to borrow). They generally frown on the using of pens, so you'd be wise to take some pencils just in case. Some offices insist that you pre-book a seat, especially if you plan to use a microfinche reader and study the census records or something, but this isn't usually compulsory, just recommended - especially if you're travelling a long way and the record office is busy. You are unlikely to find a photocoping machine, though if you do find anything of interest you want copying you can place an order and it will be sent out to you in the post or collected at a later date. Expect to pay quite heavily for this service. Lancashire charge £1.50 a page for a black-and-white A4 copy. There are usually plenty of 'How To' or 'Getting Started' leaflets on display and pointers of how to get around, but if in doubt, ask at the information desk. They're usually pretty helpful.

I think it depends on the area-some office s are large-some underfunded-Cheshire is always busy-there area hardcore set of obsessives who you notice bore the living daylights out of the archivist-i spend half the time watching the archivist trying her best to look interested! Cheshire has about 15 large microfilm machines,they ask to book a table,there is a very small locker room and coffee machine,its also partly underground and can get a bit stuffy and airless there-i had to go outside after an hour or so,stretch my legs,have a pint,and go back in. I think you need £2 or so for a deposit for the locker.When needing to view ledgers or books,you have to fill in a request slip for every volume-if youre unsure of which one,and need to viewa period covering say 30 years,it can get a bit painful having to fill in a slip for each one.

i have been making weekly visits to the Derbyahire Records office, first thing no need to check if they have space for you, over the last few months record offices have gone dead, the rush after the tv programs and so much now being available on line has left them with loads of spare room, they ask for pencils, rather than pens for paper records, but if your just looking at parish records on film, there not so bothered, and just remember dont expect to find to much, i have spent hours just looking at 250 years of one parish record. you will not belive how fast the time there goes, happy hunting

Tina, I have nudged thte thread from Jane in the Highlands for you about what to take etc. Pippa

Dont think I'm patronising you here Tina,but from experience I would do the following.............. 1) make sure they are open by phoning up first. 2) check to see if there is a viewing table and microfilm machine free for you to use. 3)check if you need to register under the CARN system-if you do and havent already-you need 2 forms of ID,one with an address on it. 4)Take pencils -some of these offices dont allow pens and ask you to carry your stuff round in a clear wallet. -------------------------------------------------- 5) Getting your way round the index systems might take some getting used to-my advice would be to collar the archivist on duty,and plead total ignorance.

I am planning to visit Shropshire Records Office next week. I have never visited a Records Office before. I am very nervous! One of the things I am looking for is my great granny who I think was in the workhouse in Quatt in 1871. I understand that there can be quite a lot of information about workhouse inmates. Can anyone advise me what in particular I should look at/for? Also have lots of christenings and marriages to look for, pre 1837. I am going by train and cannot repeat this too often (job, finances and other commitments do not permit) so need to make the best possible use of my time. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks Tina