Genealogy Chat

I'm not objecting to pencils, sorry if I gave that impression. I knew from previous visits that pens weren't allowed, but we never had to put everything in lockers, though I must admit that not having my handbag with me in there saved me having to keep carrying it around with me. Thinking about it I suppose you are right, heavy files could damage things if dropped, and mine is a bit on the heavy side.

I was astounded when I went on the behind-the-scenes tour at Kew to know that they'd caught someone using highlighter pen on an original document! nell

It's done to prevent damage to the documents. Pens can cause permanent marks, either because they leak or because some idiot scrawls 'I woz ere' in the margin. If tables in searchrooms get crowded, documents can get squashed under heavy folders or knocked onto the floor. You should be fine with a notebook or A4 pad, though. And yes, there are always people who sneak off with things.

The ones I've been to (Essex; Hertford; Canterbury; LMA and FRC) have all allowed files.

Oh it's just me having a moan - last time I was there I was able to take my file in with me so I expected it to be the same. I suppose I'll have to get prepared properly next time.

Most search rooms insist on pencils - without erasers on the end. But all the ones I've used have allowed me to take my notes in. nell

Went to Lewes County Records Office yesterday and was really surprised to find I could only take paper & pencil in the search room. Went armed with my files and had to put them in lockers in entrance. Suppose they have had things pinched but it's a real pain having to work from memory. While I was there someone had a cardigan on and took in off, they were only asked to remove it from the search room. Josie