Northamptonshire Record Office

Northamptonshire Record Office holds resources relating to the history of Northamptonshire.

They also have resources relating to the diocese of Peterborough.

Covering a period of 800 years, these documents represent all aspects of life in Northamptonshire, including details of the people who lived there.

Resources held by the office include census returns, parish registers, manorial documents, electoral registers and quarter sessions records.  

The sources are held on many different types of medium including paper, video, CD-ROM, audio and microfilm.

The aim of the Office is to collect and preserve these documents in order to preserve the county’s heritage and to make them accessible to everyone.

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

If you have any documents relating to the history of the county that you would like to donate to the Archive because you want them to be preserved and made available to the public, they would love to hear from you.

Information about Northamptonshire Record Office

Collections

For information regarding their collections, please visit their Home Page and their Collections Page.  Details of collections can also be found by perusing their online catalogue.  They have a wide range of resources, which include:

• Census returns
• Directories
• Electoral registers
• Estate records
• Family papers
• Local history books
• Maps
• Military records
• Nonconformist registers
• Parish registers
• Probate Records
• Quarter sessions
• School records
• Wills

Opening Hours

Opening Hours can be found by going to their Contact Northamptonshire Archives page.

Location and Directions

Free parking is available on-site, which includes spaces for blue badge holders.  The Office, however, does not guarantee spaces will be available in periods where the Office is busy, so it is best to arrive early.

Booking

You do not need to book before visiting but are advised to request documents in advance to avoid disappointment when you arrive, especially if you have to travel some distance.

Computers

If you want to use a laptop please bear in mind there are a limited number of electrical sockets in the Search-room and these are allocated on a first come first served basis only. You have to pay a small fee to obtain the circuit breaker. 

Photography and Photocopying

It is possible to use a camera to take photographs of documents but there are restrictions on what you can photograph because of copyright law.  

Taking photographs of some documents is also not allowed however because taking photographs might damage them because they are fragile and easily damaged. The Office makes a charge to people taking advantage of this service.

If you wish to take photocopies of documents, you are required to fill in a photocopy order form.  They do make a charge for any photocopies requested.

Refreshments

Hot and cold drinks are available in the foyer area before you enter main reception.  They also sell snacks in this area, the money going to charity.  You are welcome to eat your own food in this area.

If you wish to have a bigger variety of food, Tesco’s is half a mile up the road.  This supermarket also has a Costa.

Research Service

A research service is offered for people who are unable to visit in person. They are prepared to search a document for up to three names or dates, research your family history or transcribe a document, but do make a charge to people taking advantage of these services.  

For more information about this service and the charges involved please make an enquiry with Northamptonshire Archives.

Facebook and Twitter Accounts

Northamptonshire Record Office is on Twitter, @NorthantsPast.  They provide details of events, their collections and show images from their vast photographic collection.  They also provide information regarding family history and local history related news.

The Office also has a Facebook page, @NorthamptonshireArchives.  Using this page, they provide information regarding local history and family history related news, give details of their collections, and show images from their collections.

Readers’ Tickets

The Archive does not currently accept Archives Cards, so you will have to register for a Northamptonshire Heritage Card when you visit the Office.

To obtain a card, you should bring proof of identity and address with a signature with you, including:

• Driving Licence
• Passport
• Utility Bill (Recent)

If you still have a CARN Card, it will continue to be accepted until its date of expiry.