Cambridgeshire Record Office collects and preserves historical documents relating to Cambridgeshire, including the former counties of Huntingdonshire and the Isle of Ely.
These counties also include the present day districts of the City of Cambridge, Fenland, South Cambridgeshire and East Cambridgeshire.
Their resources are on many different forms of medium from letters, manuscripts, photographic prints and maps to CD-ROMs.
Whether you are researching the history of a house, conducting research for a school, college or university assignment, studying your family history or have an interest in local history, you will find a document held of use.
The Office holds approximately 370,000 historical documents, which include resources from Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, Richard Cromwell and their families, dating from the seventeenth century.
The Office also hold records relating to Bedford Level Corporation and the historical records of Papworth Hospital from the twentieth century.
The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to give advice and assistance if required.
Information about Cambridgeshire Record Office
Cambridgeshire Archives
The Dock
Ely
CB7 4GS
Telephone Number:
01223 699399
Email:
cambs.archives@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Collections
For information about their collections, please visit their Home Page and peruse their online catalogue. Records held by the Office include:
- Census Returns
- Electoral Registers
- Estate Records
- Family Papers
- Historical Vehicle Registration Records
- Land Value Duties Maps
- Maps and Plans
- Parish Registers
- Quarter Sessions Records
- Rate Books
- School Records
- Tithe Apportionments
- Wills and Testaments
Opening Hours
For their opening hours, please visit their visit Cambridgeshire Archives page.
Booking in Advance
It is advisable to book a seat in advance as space is limited to avoid disappointment, especially if you have travelled a long distance. If you wish to consult large documents and/or maps, advance booking is essential.
Location and Directions
Visitors to the Archive can use the parking facilities provided.
Computers and Laptops
Two computers can be used by visitors, providing access to many websites, which include the Office’s online catalogue and Cambridgeshire Libraries catalogue.
You are free to use your own laptop in the Office, but access to electrical sockets is limited.
Photography
It is possible to use a digital camera at Cambridge Archives, but this is at the discretion of staff as taking photographs of some documents could damage them because they are fragile and easily damaged. A charge is made for using this service.
Eating Facilities
No refreshments are available at the Office, and you are asked not to consume your own food and drink in the building. Numerous eating establishments are accessible in the town centre.
Research Service
If you are unable to visit in person, the Archive offers a research service.
Archive Shop
Various items are sold in the Archive shop. These items include:
- Archaeology of Cambridgeshire
- Baptisms Index
- Burials Index
- Family History Books
- Local History Books
- Marriages Index
- Road Maps from John Ogilby’s Britannia 1675
- Roman Cambrideshire
- The Trade of a Farmer: John Peck of Parson Drove
Please be aware that books are not currently available due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Readers’ Tickets
Cambridgeshire Archives accepts the Archives Card