Teesside Archives preserves and collects archives relating to the areas of Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland, making them publicly accessible to anyone who wishes to consult them.
The earliest resource dates from the twelfth century, but most of their collections date from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
The Office also holds resources up to the present day.
Collections have been deposited by councils, local businesses, associations and individuals.
They hold a wide range of sources on many different mediums, so whether you are researching the history of your local area, studying your family history, conducting research for an assignment, or tracing the history of a house, you will the documents held of use.
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 Teesside that you would like to donate to the Archive to preserve them for future generations, they would love to hear from you.
Information about Teesside Archives
Teesside Archives
Exchange House
Exchange Square
Middlesbrough
TS1 1DB
Telephone Number:
01642 248321
Email:
teesside_archives@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Collections
For information regarding their collections, please visit their Home Page and peruse their Guide to Sources. They also have an online-catalogue. These resources include:
- Business records
- Church and parish records
- Court records
- Estate records
- Hospital records
- Land ownership and deed records
- Local council records
- School records
- Shipping records
Collections incorporate many records which include:
- Correspondence Files
- Deeds
- Financial Records
- Maps
- Minutes
- Oral histories
- Photographs and negatives
- Plans
- Publications
Although the Office does house some family history material, it is now mostly held in Middlesbrough Reference Library, Central Library, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AY. It is best to contact them on 01642 729001 to discuss the materials they hold.
The building does, unfortunately, have access issues in that people with disabilities have to go to the back of the building, and are taken up in the goods lift.
Opening Hours
Opening Times can be found by going to the appropriate section of their About the Archives page.
Location and Directions
A pay and display car park is located behind the building. They are roughly a 5 minute walk from Middlesbrough Railway Station, and a 10 minute walk from Middlesbrough Bus Station.
One disabled parking space is available outside the building, but this cannot be reserved.
Booking
It is important to make an appointment before visiting Middlesbrough Archives, and to find out if the resources you wish to consult are available before visiting in order to avoid disappointment, especially if you have travelled a long distance.
You should tell them the date and approximate time you wish to visit. You are able to contact them via email, telephone or in person. If you are disabled, and would like to have one to one assistance during your visit, booking is essential.
Documents may be pre-ordered so that they may be recovered when you arrive, but you have to give specific details of the document you want to order.
Photography
You can use a digital camera in Middlesbrough Archives, but a charge is made for using this service. If you wish to take photographs of any documents, you will need to complete the Copyright Declaration form. You are only able to take photographs of documents for your own private research.
Whilst some documents can be photocopied, this is not the case for all documents because some are fragile and easily damaged, and are subject to copyright legislation.
Accessibility
Although the building has disabled access, access to the building is still quite awkward because it is a listed building. Steps with handrails lead up to the front door, but a lift is provided for those with mobility issues. Disabled toilets are also accessible.
Computers and Laptops
You are able to use your own laptop in the Office, but must store your laptop case in one of the free lockers provided.
Refreshments
You are not allowed to take any food or drink into the searchroom, but a refreshment room is provided, where you are free to eat your own food.Many eating establishments are situated in Middlesbrough town centre, which is approximately 10 minutes (½ mile) walk from the Archive.
Research Service
If you are unable to visit in person, a Research Service is offered.
Facebook and Twitter Accounts
The Archive has Facebook and Twitter Accounts at @TeessideArchives and @TeessideArchive respectively. They use these accounts to provide details of the Office’s collections, events held by the Office and any family or local history related news. They also respond to visitors’ queries.
Readers’ Tickets
Teesside Archives accepts the Archives Card
For further information regarding other Record Offices in County Durham, please visit my page relating to County Durham Record Office.