Cornwall Record Office

Cornwall Record Office was established in 1951.  

Their aims are to collect and preserve resources relating to the history of Cornwall in order to preserve this history for future generations and to make them publicly accessible.  

The Office cares for over four miles of resources housed in environmentally-controlled strongrooms, these archives dating from the twelfth century to the present day. 

The Archive holds many different resources from many different associations, so whether you wish to research the history of a house, trace your family history or are interested in local history, you will find the documents held of use.  

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to help should you have any questions or require assistance.

If you would like to donate any records, they would love to hear from you. Documents may be gifted, which means they now belong to them, or deposited with the Archive, which means you still own the document.

Information about Cornwall Record Office

Collections

For information about their holdings, please visit their Home Page and their collections page.  

Many topics are covered in their collections, which include:

• Agriculture and environment
• Art, literature and theatre
• Business records
• Cornish language and culture
• Council records
• Crime and punishment
• Family history
• Journals
• Leisure, sport and tourism
• Maps, plans and charts
• Maritime
• Mining and related industries
• Newspapers
• Photographs
• Poverty and health
• Prehistoric Cornwall
• Property history
• Religious records
• Schools
• Science and innovation
• Stately homes and gardens
• The Cornish overseas
• The Cornwall Tapestries
• Transport
• War

An online catalogue is also accessible.

Opening Hours

Their opening hours can be found by going to the appropriate section of their visit the Archive page.

Location and Directions

The Record Office is situated just off the A30, on the edge of Redruth.  

It is advised that you use public transport when visiting the Office.  Redruth railway station, who provide a direct service to London Paddington, is a fifteen minute walk from the Office. Taxis are available at the station.

If you wish to travel by bus, a stop is situated at Tesco Redruth, which is a five minute walk away.

Several buses stop near the Office, which include First Kernow 46 and 47, Williams Travel 312 and Hopley’s coaches 215 and 315.  

Parking

Parking at the Office is limited, but many car parks are available near to the building.

Accessibility

Six accessible parking spaces are available, which are located near to the Tesco side of the building.  From these spaces level access to the building is available.

If you arrive at the building from the centre of Redruth, a public path is accessible, which runs from Chapel Street to Kresen Kernow.  The entrance is at the top of a flight of steps, but a lift is available.

The building is fully accessible to people using wheelchairs, and has lifts to all levels.  Accessible toilets are also available on both floors.

You are quite welcome to use a mobility scooter in the building if you wish.  You are also able to park the scooter outside.

Desks are available at different heights to ensure that they are accessible to anyone who wishes to use them.

Assistance dogs are also welcome at the Office.

A hearing loop is available at the ground floor reception desk.

Advance Booking

It is advisable to book before visiting and also to pre-order the documents you want to consult during your visit in order to avoid disappointment, especially if you have travelled a long distance.  

You are advised to order documents in advance of your visit, but you have to order these by 1pm on the day before you intend to visit.

You are able to order twelve documents, and can order them by telephone, email or letter, but you will need to provide the Office with the full reference of the document you wish to consult, which is obtained by using their online catalogue.

Photography

Photography is allowed, but this is subject to a charge and you also have to complete a copyright declaration form. 

Refreshments

No refreshments are available at the Office, but many shops and cafes are available in Redruth town centre, which is a short walk away.