Leicestershire Record Office

Leicestershire Record Office holds archives relating to the county of Leicestershire.  

Their aims are to preserve and collect these documents and to make them accessible to anyone interested in discovering more about the history and culture of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.

These resources date from the early 1100s to the present day, covering a wide range of subjects.  

Their extensive collections are held on many different medium, which include manuscripts, books, newspapers, maps, photographs, videos and sound recordings.

Whether you are researching your family tree, studying the history of a house, conducting research for a school, college or university assignment, or wanting to discover more about your local area, you will find the documents held of use.

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

Information about Leicestershire Record Office

Collections

For information about their opening hours and holdings, please visit the appropriate sections of their Home Page. Their resources include:

• Books
• Manuscripts
• Maps
• Newspapers
• Photographs
• Sound recordings
• Videos

An online catalogue is also available, giving details of their holdings but this is not yet complete.  

Location and Directions

The Archives have a free car park that is about a hundred yards down Long Street opposite Paddock Street. If this car park is full there are several public car parks in Wigston Magna. Parking is also available for disabled visitors, but it is best to give them notice of your proposed visit.

Buses 48 and 49 from St Margaret’s bus station in Leicester run to Wigston Magna.  It is best to ask for Church Nook.  When returning to Leicester, buses 47 and 49 stop outside the Office.  There is also a small station in South Wigston, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the Office.  Taking bus 45 or 47 from this station take you to the Archive.

Booking

You do not need to book before visiting the Office.

Photography

You are allowed to bring your camera into the search-room, but they make a charge to people taking advantage of this service.  Some documents cannot be photographed because they are fragile and easily damaged.

Accessibility

The building is fully accessible, with the public areas all being on one level.  The Office has provided access both in the front and rear of the building via ramps.

If you suffer from impaired eyesight, a dedicated viewer is accessible.

The reception desk is fitted with an induction loop.  A staff member is qualified in British Sign Language.

Computers

You are free to use your own laptop in the Archive.  Computers in the searchroom are also available for use by visitors, including access to Ancestry, FindmyPast, and other websites and databases.

Free Wi-Fi is also accessible throughout the building.

Refreshments

A drinks machine and water cooler are available in the common area, but they do not offer food.  Many eating establishments, serving anything from sandwiches to full pub-lunches, are accessible within 5 minutes walk of the Office.

Outreach

The Archive also offers a outreach programme, in which they offer talks, open days, and presentations to adult groups and school-children.  

The replica Great War trench has proved to be popular with local schools, permitting research into local soldiers and showing a practical element of life in the trenches.  

A Christmas in the Trench event is staged annually, which replicates the Christmas Truce of 1914.  This also includes a presentation on wartime Christmases. 

Research Service

The Office offers a research service to people unable to visit in person.  Advice regarding their collections is given free of charge, but longer searches are charged for.  Prices are given on application.

Readers’ Tickets

You need to obtain a searchroom pass if you are visiting the Archive to access materials on the open shelves.  To obtain this ticket you will need to bring identification with you that displays your name.  

Identification can take the form of a credit or debit card, cheque guarantee card, National Insurance Card, National Trust Card or Passport.

If you wish to access materials in the strongroom, you have to obtain a day ticket or CARN ticket for which proof of your name and address is required.  

Forms of identification can be a driver’s licence, medical card (with address), bank statement, household bill, official letter, pension book, vehicle registration document or an official ID card.

Leicestershire Archives accepts the Archives Card