Plymouth Archives

Plymouth Archives, formerly known as Plymouth and West Devon Record Office, collects and preserves thousands of resources relating to the area, making them accessible to anyone who wishes to study them.  

Documents held by the Archive include documents, manuscripts, maps and photographs.  

These resources relate to different subjects and organisations and are available in many different forms.  

Educational records, covering schools in Plymouth and parts of West Devon and South Hams districts, are also available in the Archive.

If you are researching the history of a house, conducting research for a school, college or university assignment, tracing your family history or are interested in finding out more about your local area, you will find the records held of use.  

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

If you have documents you wish to donate to the Archive to safeguard them for present and future generations and to make them publicly accessible, they would love to hear from you.

Information about Plymouth Archives

Collections

For information regarding their collections, please visit their Home Page and peruse their online catalogue, which has details of documents held.

Collections held by the Archive include:

• Cemetery Records
• Church Records
• Coroners’ Records – 1892 to early 21st Century
• Education Records
• Gravestone Images and Indexes
• House and Property History
• Images of Plymouth – 19th and 20th centuries
• Maps

Resources held by the Archive also include:

• Mortuary Records
• Motor Vehicle Registrations
• Photographs
• Plymouth Shipping Records
• Prison Records
• Workhouse Registers

Location and Directions

The Office is situated in Tavistock Place, Plymouth.

If you are travelling by car, many car parks are situated near The Box. The nearest long stay car park is situated in Regent Street. Disabled car parking spaces are available at the end of Tavistock Place, and in many car parks in the city centre.

If you are walking, The Box is situated five minutes from Plymouth City Centre.

If you are travelling by bus, some buses stop at North Hill, which is situated opposite The Box. Many buses also go to Royal Parade, which is a ten minute walk from the Office. If you prefer, you can also use the park and ride service, which also stops at Royal Parade.

If you travel by train, the train station is approximately 15 minutes from The Box.

If you decide to cycle, many public cycle stands are situated at the Office.

Booking

Please note it is prudent to book before visiting. They are able to accept bookings up to one month in advance of a proposed visit, but you should tell them the date and approximate time. You are also able to book a table or microfiche reader.

Photography

You are able to use a digital camera, but a charge for using this service. Some documents cannot be photographed because they are fragile and easily damaged.

Accessibility

All entrances to The Box are fully accessible. Four wheelchairs and one mobility scooter are accessible for visitors.

Refreshments

Many eating establishments are accessible in the city centre.

Research Service

If you are unable to visit in person, they provide a list of Archive Researchers.  For a fee, these Agents are willing to undertake research on your behalf.

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For further information regarding Offices in Devon, please visit my pages regarding Devon Archives and Local Studies and North Devon Archives.