Hampshire Record Office

Hampshire Record Office’s aims are to safeguard, share and collect documents relating to the history of Hampshire in order to make them accessible to the public and to preserve Hampshire’s heritage for future generations.  

These resources include documents, manuscripts, maps and photographs. 

Some of the Office’s resources relate to the USA, and cover the period 1600-1999.  Some highlights of this collection include a probate inventory of Richard Andros of Virginia 1628, and the will of Samuel Burst of New England, 1703.

They also hold a photocopy of a letter from Col. D J M Cord mentioning condition of slaves in Carolina, 1830, and Cunard films 1950s-1980s, which includes films of cruise liners used on American routes.

Their documents include the Winchester Bishopric collection, Winchester Cathedral collection, Winchester City archives, Wessex Film and Sound archive and family and estate papers. 

The Film and Sound Archive resources relates to central Southern England.

Whatever subject appeals to you, whether you are researching family history, interested in local history or are studying the history of a house, you will find a document of use.

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

Information about Hampshire Record Office

Collections

For information about their opening hours and collections, please visit their Home Page.  You can also search using their online catalogue. Collections held by the Archive include:

• Bishops’ transcripts 1790-1850s
• Cemetery registers 19th-20th centuries
• Census returns 1841-1901
• Electoral registers 1889-2002
• GRO Index of births, marriages and deaths 1837-1992
• Hampshire Constabulary policemen 1840-1928
• Letters of Administration
• Marriage allegations index 1689-1837

Collections also include:

• National Probate Calendars 1858-1952
• Newspapers
• Nonconformist registers 1676-date
• Parish registers 1536-date
• School log books and admission registers
• Tithe maps c1842
• Wills 1400s-1941

Many maps are available in the Office, which incorporate:

• County Maps – dating from the 16th century
• Enclosure Maps and Awards
• Estate Maps
• Ordnance Survey Maps
• Tithe Maps and Awards

A list of parish registers held by the Archive is also accessible from their Home Page.  

It is best to make sure the document you wish to consult is available before visiting to avoid disappointment, especially if you are travelling a long distance.

Inventories, mainly dating from the 16th-18th centuries, are also available in the Office, which are valuations of people’s household goods and other effects including foodstuffs and livestock.  This can give you an insight into how people lived centuries ago.

Location and Directions

Hampshire Archives is near to Winchester railway station.  If travelling by car, public car parks are situated within 100 metres of the building.  

If you are a blue badge holder, two parking spaces are available off Station Hill, approximately 100 metres from the main entrance.  Blue badge holders can utilise the staff entrance located behind the building.

You have to contact the Archive in advance by telephoning 01962 846154 to use either of these spaces.

Accessibility

The building is fully accessible, having an accessible toilet, hearing induction loops in reception, a portable hearing loop, magnifying glasses in the searchroom and an automatic rise and fall table.

Photography

Documents can be photocopied by members of staff, on payment of a small fee, but restrictions apply because some documents are fragile and easily damaged, which include:

• Documents with Seals
• Pages from Old Volumes
• Rolled Items
• Tithe Apportionments

Some documents can be photographed by staff members, but the Office makes a charge to people taking advantage of this service.  You have to fill in a digital photography order form before you can take any photographs.

Publications

You are also able to buy digital copies of some records held by the Archive.  These records include:

• Album of Wellow Illustrations
• Basingstoke Survey (Map and Reference Book)
• Bishops’ Registers 1282-1684
• Parish Tithe Maps, together with their Awards, c 1840

Research Service

A research service is offered for people unable to visit in person.  It is recommended you peruse their online catalogue before making an enquiry.  Any request must be submitted by using the application form.  Any charge made is based on time spent, rather than results obtained.

Twitter and Facebook Accounts

The Archive has a Twitter Account, @HantsArchives, where they provide details of events, old photographs and information about the Office.

They also have a Facebook page, where they post details regarding the Office and answer people’s queries.

Readers’ Tickets

Hampshire Archives accepts the Archives Card

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For further information regarding Record Offices in Hampshire, please visit my page regarding Portsmouth History Centre and Southampton City Archives.