Genealogy Chat

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Does anyone know if you can order electoral rolls to look at in local family history centres, or is there anywhere else (ie my local library) that I can order specific ones to look at? I need to have a look at some for Brighton in the 1960’s – the only problem is I live in Buckinghamshire, work six days a week, and am unable to get down there for at least the rest of this year, and this is becoming my most stubborn ‘stuck’ line. Any suggestions gratefully received – if I don’t reply to this thread immediately, I have to go out for about two hours shortly – it doesn’t mean I’m ignoring you. Regards Trudy

No you can't - for the simple reason that lots of them aren't available on microfilm, but still in hard copy - often to judge by ones I've looked at, crumbling, tatty copy too. If you have a street name and a year, I think most libraries that hold the roll you want would do you a photocopy at a modest charge. But if you want to search through them, you will have to visit. I have done some of this at two places and they differ: Richmond, Surrey electoral rolls at the Local History Studies Centre were beautifully bound and on an open shelf. It took about half-an-hour to check through several years' worth. Stoke Newington rolls in the London metropolitan archive - took ages as I had to order them at 20-minute intervals, 5 years at a time. They were very fragile, so I had to use foam wedges and it naturally took longer to find the right page. Took me all afternoon to do 10 years. nell

Thanks Nell - might try the library first - if not have to try and book a couple of days off - maybe treating the other half to a stay at 'The Grand' might entice him!!!!!

Thanks for the though Jean - will try that and see what happens.