Hull History Centre

Hull History Centre holds resources relating to the history of the city of Hull and surrounding areas, but does not have Parish Records.  

There are, however, over 330,000 items in their collections on many different kinds of medium, which include books, videos, CD/DVDs, maps, pamphlets, microfilm and cassettes.

The aims of the Office are to make the history of Hull available to anyone who wishes to peruse the documents and to further interest in the city of Hull, which includes its past, present and future. 

This cause is furthered by promoting their archival and local history collections, making people aware of the importance of the Archive, and by preserving documents relating to the history of Hull.

Resources held by the Archive include books, manuscripts, maps and plans, newspapers and photographs.

Whatever subject you are interested in, whether you are researching your family history, conducting research for a school, college or university assignment, studying the history of a house or are interested in local history, you will find the records and documents held of use.

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to help should you require advice and assistance.

Information about Hull History Centre

Collections

For information about their collections, please visit their Home Page.  An online catalogue is also available that contains details of over 330000 documents and books held, but it does not contain images of the actual documents.  Collections held by the Office include:

• Apprentice Registers 1651-1855
• Bench Book 1, 1445-1552
• Burgess Rolls and Electoral Registers 1835-1949
• Burial Registers for Hull’s Municipal Cemeteries 1847-1994
• Census Returns
• Forster and Andrews [link] Organ Ledgers 1844-1916
• GRO Index
• Holy Trinity Parish Registers 16th to 19th centuries
• International Genealogical Index (IGI)
• Local History Books

Resources held by the Centre also include:

• Magistrate’s Court Minute Books 1863-1876
• Methodist Registers
• Parish Registers
• Photographs
• Quarter Sessions Order Books 1506-1846
• Reference Books
• Shipping Registers 1804-1994
• Whaling Logbooks 1772-1841
• Wills and Probate Indexes 1853-1943

Opening Hours

Opening Hours can be found by going to their opening hours page.

Location and Directions

The Archive is situated on Worship Street, close to the New Theatre.  If travelling by train, the Office is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Paragon Exchange, which is the rail and bus station), or 5 minutes walk from the Park and Ride bus stop situated on Wilberforce Drive, Queens Gardens.

A car park is available at the Office, but if this is full, long-stay parking is available in George Street (multi-storey), Pryme Street (multi storey), Francis Street and Trippett Street.

Booking

It is necessary to let them know the reference numbers and descriptions of items you wish to consult the day before you intend to visit, the earlier the better and by noon at the latest. You can have 5 items at a time.

If you wish to peruse records on microfilm or microfiche, you have to book a microfilm or microfiche reader.  Although many of their microfilms are available on a self-serve basis, you must order microfilms from the University Archives and other collections through the Searchroom on arrival.

Photography and Photocopying

Use of a digital camera is permitted, but a charge is made for people taking advantage of this service. 

To protect the documents, the use of portable scanners is forbidden.

You are able to take photocopies of material on the open shelves, but only if copyright laws allow.  If you wish to take a photocopy of archive and/or reference material, this must be done by a member of staff in order to protect the resource as much as possible.  

The Office cannot photocopy parchment, films, photographs, bound items and any other item that could be damaged.  If the item you wish to photocopy is more than A3 or is fragile, you can ask the Office staff about their reprographics service.

You also have to fill in a copyright declaration form, in which you state that you will only use the photocopies and/or photographs for personal research.  Further permission may have to be obtained if you wish to publish the images.

Other Charges

Charges are also made for other services such as photocopying and for printouts made from readers.  

Computers and Wi-Fi

12 computers are available in the Centre, which has MS office software.  You will need to bring a Hull Library Ticket with you to use the computers.  

To obtain a ticket, you should bring identification with you when you visit such as a driving licence, utility bill, bank statement or passport.  You are required to update your address every 12 months.

Free WiFi is available in the Centre, including the Arcade area.

Searchroom can be cold

It is necessary to think of taking a jumper or cardigan into the search room because this room is cooler to protect the archives. 

Refreshments

The Archive has a refreshment trolley in the Arcade area that sells sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks.  Other eating establishments are available in the city.  

Research Service

If you are unable to visit in person, the Archive offers a research service.  You must complete the application form and fill in a copyright declaration form before research can be undertaken.  The Centre does make a charge for this service.

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For further details of Record Offices in the East Riding, please view my page regarding East Riding of Yorkshire Record Office.