Log in

All the latest news

September 24 2020 Margaret Roberts

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT
 
The names of the first speakers at the FHF REALLY USEFUL Family History Show [14th November 2020] have been released and they are:
 
 
STEVE MANNING: - FHF Chairman, Steve Manning, is an enthusiastic family historian who firmly believes that, wherever possible, the whole family should be part of the ‘research adventure’. His talk is called - Beginning Research
 
AMELIA BENNETT: - Ameila has been researching her family history for 25 years and has been a trustee of the Society of Genealogists for over five years. Her talk is entitled - Hidden in Plain Sight
 
GRAHAM HART: - Graham is Co-Founder and and Trustee of Free UK Genealogy. Graham has been involved in genealogy for 35 years and, as well as Free UK Genealogy, is particularly interested in DNA genealogy and tools that can help analyse the matches. In his real life Graham is an IT Director of a company based in London and lives just to the west of London. He will be presenting - Focus on Free BMD
 
DARRIS WILLIMAS: - Darris is presently the FamilySearch Wiki & Community Trees Manager, freelance genealogist, and family history instructor. A special area of interest has been Welsh family history. Darris's talk is called - Surnames in Genealogy
 
JACKIE DEPELLE: - Jackie has been teaching Family History since the days of micro-film and fiche and is now fully supporting digital initiatives. A speaker at major events such as WDYTYA-Live and RootsTech London, Jackie has also run workshops and events for Archives, Country Houses, Libraries, Museums and Universities. She will be presenting - Ideas for Researching Non-Conformist Ancestors
 
SUE GIBBONS: - Sue was the Librarian of the Society of Genealogists for almost 20 years. During this time she was responsible for managing a major Lottery funded project to convert the old card catalogue into computer form and make it available on the Internet. Sue's [presentation is entitled - Tracing Immigrant Ancestors up to World War II
 
CHRIS FLEET:- Chris has worked at the Bodleian Library, Oxford, and the National Library of Wales before joining the National Library of Scotland in 1994. His main responsibilities at NLS relate to modern and historical digital mapping, and he has overseen the development of the Library's maps website over the last two decades. Listen to his talk on - The Value of NLS Maps in Family History Research
 
PAUL CARTER: - Paul is a genealogist specialising in military, Kent and London records and a website developer. As a software developer, web designer and genealogist, he helps family and local historians to support their research through technology. His talk will be all about - Relating a Name to a Place
 
So Don't Delay - Book your £5 EARLY BIRD TICKET NOW at www.fhf-reallyuseful.com
 
With MANY more speakers and exhibitors being announced all the time keep checking back here or to the FHF Really Useful website for more updates.
 
FYI - the main FHF website can be accessed at the link below - https://www.familyhistoryfederation.com/
September 24 2020 Margaret Roberts

Who Do You Think You Are? returns to our screens in October

Who Do You Think You Are? returns to our screens in October
 
The eagerly awaited 17th series of the popular genealogy/family history programme will air in October
 
 
Only 4 episodes were completed before the coronavirus lockdown began. 
 
 
 
Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker, comedian and author David Walliams, Gavin & Stacey’s Ruth Jones and Silent Witness actor Liz Carr will take turns uncovering the unexpected, fascinating and sometimes tragic tales in their family trees.
 
For more details click on the following link  - https://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/.../who-do.../
September 19 2020 Margaret Roberts

2nd Family History Show Online

2nd Family History Show Online
~ REMINDER ~
 
The 2nd Family History Show Online
 
26th September 
 
10am - 4:30pm 
 
 
Tickets cost £6 for the day ~ but there is also a lot of free content.
 
The online events have all the features of the physical shows, from the comfort of your own home!                                                                    Put your research questions to an expert, watch a free talk, speak to a local society, archive or genealogical supplier.
 

~ Ask the Experts ~

Submit your questions to the panel of experts before the show.

Either book a free 1-to-1 session or watch the live stream question panel at 15:30 where you can ask your questions live!

The Experts cover a wide range of topics, including Military, DNA, House Histories, Social History, Brick Walls and General Research.

There will also be Society of Genealogists' Census Detectives on hand to answer your questions.

 

~ Societies & Archives ~ 

Visit exhibitors, societies, archives and companies in our virtual exhibition hall.                                                                                                                                   

There will be the oppotuntiy to talk to some of the stallholders [including little old me representing the FHSC]  by text, audio or video, all from your own sofa! 

                                                                            

All details can be found at the link below -
 
September 14 2020 Margaret Roberts

A DAMNABLE and SINISTER REGIME: Vale Royal Abbey 1260~1538

A DAMNABLE and SINISTER REGIME: Vale Royal Abbey 1260~1538
New local history book by local historian tells the story of the medieval abbey of Vale Royal
 
 
A DAMNABLE and SINISTER REGIME:
Vale Royal Abbey 1260~1538
 
 
by Tony Bostock, an accomplished local historian and the author of a number of books and many articles on various aspects of Cheshire history, contributing regularly to the annual journal, Cheshire History. Much of his work is published on his web-site: www.tonybostock.com. He is a regular speaker to local history and family history societies and other organisations throughout the county.
 
 
Thiis new illustrated paperback book is available now from AMAZON BOOKS UK (www.amazon.co.uk/books) priced £14.99/Kindle £5.99 or contact the author direct:
 
 
 
VALE ROYAL ABBEY is a former medieval abbey and later country house at Whitegate. The original building was founded c.1265 by the Lord Edward, later King Edward I, for Cistercian monks. Edward intended the structure to be on a grand scale. Had it been completed it would have been the largest Cistercian monastery in Europe - but his ambitions were frustrated by recurring financial difficulties and the Welsh wars added to which what was eventually what was built fell down in a storm!
 
When work resumed in the late fourteenth century, the building was considerably smaller than originally planned. Throughout its history the abbey was mismanaged and poor relations with the local population sparked riots. These included the murder of an abbot, rape and robbery. There was internal disorder too. The abbey was described in the early sixteenth century as a ‘damnable and sinister regime', hence the title of the book. Vale Royal was closed in 1538 by Henry VIII during his Dissolution of the Monasteries. Overall a 'failed enterprise' - a failure in the monastic ideal and in never becoming the grandiose building intended.
 
This story of Vale Royal is written in a way as to appeal to the general reader, those who have an interest in medieval monasticism, and of course those who enjoy learning about Cheshire’s past. In addition to relating the history of the abbey there is a final chapter on the man responsible for the abbey’s destruction, Sir Thomas Holcroft, who established a home among the mediaeval cloistral buildings. Sir Thomas is an intriguing character who served three monarchs as a courtier, soldier, diplomat and spy master
September 14 2020 Margaret Roberts

Birmingham Heritage Week

Birmingham Heritage Week

Birmingham Heritage Week [10-20 September - bit of a long week!] 

Slightly out of Cheshire I know - BUT interesting for FHSC members all the same, who may have family connections 

 

Eleven days of varied and fascinating events, from displays, walks and talks to open days. This year yoiu are invited, for the first time, to explore Birmingham’s heritage through virtual events as well as in person visits. You can test your Birmingham knowledge with our Brummie Quiz and take the post box challenge; what do you know about your local postbox?

Enjoy discovering Birmingham’s history and heritage, in person or from the comfort of your home.

 

For more details follow the link below: 

https://birminghamheritageweek.co.uk/

 

 

September 01 2020 Margaret Roberts

FamilySearch Announces RootsTech Connect 2021: A Free Global Virtual Event

FamilySearch Announces RootsTech Connect 2021: A Free Global Virtual Event

FamilySearch has announced that the RootsTech 2021 conference previously planned for February 3–6, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah - will now be held on February 25–27, 2021, as a free, virtual event online 

               

.RootsTech Connect 2021 will enable attendees to participate from around the world and will feature inspiring keynote speakers, dozens of classes in multiple languages, and a virtual marketplace.

Reserve your place today at RootsTech.org.

 

“The pandemic is giving us the opportunity to bring RootsTech to a broader audience worldwide,” said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch International CEO. “A virtual event also allows us to expand our planning to truly make this a global celebration of family and connection.” 

RootsTech Connect 2021 will be global in scope while offering many experiences that attendees have come to know and love from RootsTech events—including inspirational keynote speakers, dozens of classes to choose from, and an expo hall.  

Throughout the three-day online event, attendees will have the ability to interact with presenters, exhibitors, and other attendees through live chat and question and answer sessions. 

“Classes will be taught in many languages, and presenters will teach from a number of international locations,” said Rockwood. “We will celebrate cultures and traditions from around the world, with activities that the audience can participate in from home—such as homeland cooking demonstrations, storytelling, and music performances. This is one virtual event you won’t want to miss.” 

RootsTech Connect 2021 will offer a combination of both livestream and on-demand content to accommodate differences in time zone for participants. In addition, sessions will be available to view on-demand after the event concludes. 

Rockwood says that FamilySearch is looking forward to the opportunity to deliver the signature RootsTech experience and helping tens of thousands of participants worldwide to discover, gather, and connect their family story.  

RootsTech hopes to gather in-person again in the future but anticipates the RootsTech Connect virtual opportunity will become a regular addition to the event. 

Register for free at rootstech.org.  

August 28 2020 Margaret Roberts

Scottish Indexes Online Conference ~ 30 August

Scottish Indexes Online Conference ~ 30 August
Final Reminder  -  DON'T FORGET the SCOTTISH INDEXES conference on Sunday 30 August
 
 
Once again it's free to attend - all the registration instructions are below or simply click on https://www.scottishindexes.com/
 
 
Registration Instructions:
Facebook: This is the option that most people use, simply join the Facebook group at 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scottishindexes 
and you can watch the family history conference streamed live. You can ask questions of the presenters and chat online with other attendees. Click on following linknto join the Scottish Indexes Facebook Group - 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scottishindexes
Zoom: You can also join for free on Zoom, simply click on the link and follow the instructions - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8015957744689/WN_-RLpk1zESbubNj8Sk2lnuA
August 26 2020 Margaret Roberts

"Growing Up With Foreigners" by Peter Frank

"Growing Up With Foreigners" by Peter Frank
Newly published book with local interest by ex-Northwich resident Peter Frank 
 
 
'Growing Up With Foreigners'
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Peter Frank was born in North Wales and grew up in North West England, namely Northwich, Marbury and Greenbank. Educationally Peter describes himself as an under-achiever, who scraped into grammar school, where between the ages of sixteen and eighteen he failed all his A-Levels and, notably, failed his English Language O-Level examination six times. He started work as a bonus clerk and then moved on to become a computer operator. Later, his work involved running acceptance tests on main-frame computers allowing him to travel widely in Britain, Czechoslovakia, and Russia. He then went to Australia for two years, where he began his career in computer sales. Peter ended his career as a Vice President of Software Sales, before moving to Austria for love. He graduated
with 2:1 BA Honours degree in European Studies in 2008.
 
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The story is a mixture of adventure, fact, fear, fiction and fun about a German-Polish-Catholic woman from Upper Silesia and an Austrian-Jewish-Protestant man born in Vienna.
Before arriving in England in 1939, they enjoyed comfortable lives. The man escaped Nazi tyranny and the Holocaust but his parents didn't. The woman came to England to study. Her parents fled before the advancing Russian army to Bavaria in 1945.
They met, married and survived World War II together, living in poverty as stateless people. The man, being classified as an enemy alien, should have been interned on the Isle of Man. Had this happened, the woman would have been left destitute with a newly born daughter.
As we follow the lives of the stoic Pole and the excitable Austrian, their relationship is like Newton's first law of motion where the irresistible force meets the immovable object. It describes their exotic nature and their integration into English society in the 1950s and 1960s, whilst they still wanted to hold on to parts of their early lives that had gone forever.
 
PURCHASE DETAILS:
Price - £7.99
Pegasus Elliot MacKenzie Publishers Ltd.
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 370012
E-mail:
The book can be ordered from the following:
www.pegasuspublishers.com or for individual orders:
Book Depository,
Barnes & Noble,
Waterstones,
WH Smiths
Foyles
Alternatively take the details to your local bookstore and get them to order it for you.
August 20 2020 Margaret Roberts

Nation Archives: Meet the Author Series

Nation Archives: Meet the Author Series
The National Archives launch their first ever online Meet the Author series
 
 
 
This brand new programme of free online talks with high-profile authors will take place between 9 September-23 November 2020
 
From raising a queen to cracking the Enigma code, Cold War espionage to real life murder cases, the discussions will reflect the expansive collection held by The National Archives.
 
Events will usually be chaired by a specialist historian and will be followed by a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to join the conversation by submitting questions.
 
The Timetable of talks is detailed below- 
  • On 9 September, Dermot Turing will discuss his book The Codebreakers of Bletchley Park with Mark Dunton, Principal Records Specialist at The National Archives. The book retells the history of Bletchley Park and explores the work of its most famous alumnus Alan Turing, Dermot Turing’s Uncle.

 

  • On 16 September, Wendy Holden will talk about her book The Governess with Jessamy Carlson, Family and Local History Engagement Lead at The National Archives. Exploring the extraordinary experiences of Marion Crawford, who became governess to young Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret in 1933, Wendy Holden’s new fiction is based on historical sources and first-hand accounts.

 

  • On 7 October, Trevor Barnes will be in conversation with MI5 historian Professor Christopher Andrew, talking about his new book Dead Doubles. The book explores the Portland Spy Ring, one of the most infamous espionage cases from the Cold War, and is heavily based on government documents at The National Archives.

 

  • On 18 November, Rebecca Gowers will discuss her book The Scoundrel Harry Larkyns with Katherine Howells, Visual Collections Researcher at The National Archives. The book uncovers the astonishing true story of the mysterious nineteenth-century figure and his murder at the hands of photographer Eadweard Muybridge, a founding father of cinema.

 

  • On 23 November, Roger Dalrymple give a talk on his book Crippen: A Crime Sensation in Memory and Modernity. The book explores the case of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen, who was hanged in London in November 1910 for the murder and mutilation of his wife. The talk will take place on the 110th anniversary of Crippen’s execution.

 

Talks will start at 7:30pm and last around 45 minutes, followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.

Once registered, attendees will have the opportunity to buy a signed book from The National Archives Shop.

Click on link below for tickets and more information.

August 20 2020 Margaret Roberts

Advanced Notice of Family History Fair

Advanced Notice of Family History Fair
The Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society Family History Fair
 
Provisonal details for this event are - 
 
Date: Saturday 27 March 2021
Time: 10am -40m
Venue: Manchester Central Library [Covid19 restrictions allowing]
 
 
 
 
 
This event is still very much in the planning stage and more details will be provided as soon as they are available - watch this space and save the date! 
August 11 2020 Margaret Roberts

Fancy getting involved in Census 2021?

Fancy getting involved in Census 2021?
 
The Office for National Statistics in conjunction with Adecco are now starting the recruitment process for people to become latter day Enumerators for the 2021 Census 
 
 
There are a range of fixed-term jobs, from managers and supervisors who co-ordinate activities, to officers who help the public complete questionnaires. A variety of full-time and part-time opportunities are available. All roles require the flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
 
If you have previously worked or volunteered in community engagement or outreach projects or speak English and a language fluently and confidently, including: Bengali, Akan, Shona, Swahili, Tigrinya, Yoruba, Mandarin, Cantonese, Gujarati, Panjab, Nepali, Panjabi, Urdu or Somali - then there are many Community Advisor roles to be applied for as well.
 
If you feel you might have an interest in a particular role, then your first step is to read all the information at the link below and click the appropriate box to register.
 
 
We would be interested to know how any FHSC members who apply get on with either the recruitment process or the role if successful, it would be great to share with everyone.
 
July 29 2020 Margaret Roberts

Import News re AncestryDNA records

Import News re AncestryDNA records
AncestryDNA is about to delete your potentially relevant small-segment DNA matches.
 
If you want to know how to Keep AncestryDNA's Small-Segment Matches, then read on.....
 
 
From 'late' August 2020, AncestryDNA will start deleting DNA matches who share less than 8 cM with you - unless you have added a note about them, added them to a custom group, or messaged them.
 
It's an opportunity for Ancestry users to investigate and/or save their smallest matches by adding notes, sending messages, or adding them to a group. Of course, a significant proportion will be spurious matches (which is one of the reasons Ancestry plans to remove them), and there will be many that don't have tress, or have very small trees that are of little practical use.
 
At the link below there is a strategy to prevent those people from disappearing from accredited researcher & family historian Julie Webster.
 
Julie also include links to more detailed advice from others with expertise in the matter
 
July 28 2020 Margaret Roberts

Family History Federation News

Family History Federation News
The Family History Federation [FHF] have today launched the FHF Really Useful Family History Show
 
The show will take place on Saturday 14th November 2020 featuring member societies and much, much more.
 
In announcing the Show, FHF Chairman, Steve Manning, said: “Irrespective of whether you’re an uncertain ‘newbie’ or seasoned enthusiast, this is the one 2020 happening you must not miss!
Why?  -  Because the FHF is totally focussed on delivering a ‘Really Useful Family History Show’ to ALL our visitors!”
 
The event is supported by [in alphabetical order]:
 
  • Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA)
  • FamilySearch
  • Family Tree magazine
  • Who Do You Think You Are magazine
 
This national – even international – virtual show will provide
  •  Expert presentations
  •  Discussion panels
  •  Access to all shops on Parish Chest plus those of commercial participants
  •  Opportunity to meet and talk to exhibitors live in the virtual exhibition hall
  •  UK “attendees” will receive goody bag posted to them (providing they book early!)
  •  And much more...
 
The event’s website will be regularly updated with details of exhibitors and speakers. It will also provide access to the online ticket booking system. Please bookmark the show’s own website at:
 
Further news will follow, keep tuned in!
July 26 2020 Margaret Roberts

Cheshire Archives & Local Studies Centre News

Cheshire Archives & Local Studies Centre News

£13 Million Scheme to Create New History Centres

 

Progress is continuing on a Cheshire Archives plan to create two new bespoke history centres, one in Chester and one in Crewe

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies is a shared service between CWAC and CEC. The £13 million scheme would see each authority contribute £4.2m with the remainder sought via a bid for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. 

Chester's new history centre is earmarked for the site of the former Cheshire Enterprise Centre off Hoole Road which burnt down in December 2010. Crewe's history centre would be located at the 'Old Library' in the town centre. The current Cheshire Record Office off Duke Street in Chester is said to be 'no longer fit for purpose'. 

Both councils recently placed an advert seeking a quantity surveyor to implement this Local Archives project in a £90,000 contract. This follows news that National Heritage Lottery Fund gave permission to start the archives project in March 2020 with initial round one funding of £544,900.  This current development phase of the project runs for 18 months and includes:

  • Developing activities to engage new audiences with archives across the county
  • Drawing up detailed plans for the proposed new centres in Chester and Crewe
  • Writing a delivery phase funding bid for 2021

Detailed proposals will then be considered by the Lottery Heritage Fund with a view to securing full second round funding of £4,455,100.

The centres would be climate-controlled environments to house collections, better display them and make them more interactive. Chester's would house the majority of the collections. It is described as 'a natural, logical home for the service' given the city's long history as the seat of county government. 

July 20 2020 Margaret Roberts

Association of Genealogists & Researchers in Archives

Association of Genealogists & Researchers in Archives

Ask the Experts Week 20-25th July 2020

 

Tune in every day to watch some of AGRA's finest bringing their expertise to bear on your family history questions

 

Join six of the Association's top experts as they answer questions put by readers of Who Do You Think You Are Magazine. Each twenty-minute session goes live at 1pm (BST) daily between 20 and 25 July. And why not join each expert as they answer questions live after each session.

A new video will be each be released at 1pm (BST) each day as follows:

  • Monday 20 July - Missing births, with Sharon Grant.
    Sharon, of Grantshire Genealogy, is the Chair of AGRA and will be answering questions on tracing the origins of missing and mysterious ancestors where birth records are proving elusive.
  • Tuesday 21 July - Civil registration, with Antony Marr.
    Antony is a researcher who also worked as a deputy registrar, and will be discussing how best to use civil registration records to solve problems.
  • Wednesday 22 July - Welsh research, with Gill Thomas.
    Gill is a professional genealogist specialising in researching and running courses about Welsh Ancestry. In this session she makes suggestions as to how best to untangle the Welsh surnames maze and also looks at the importance of using Non-Conformist records where searching parish records in isolation has led to a brick wall.
  • Thursday 23 July - Military records, with Simon Fowler.
    Simon is a researcher specialising in records of the armed forces and the two world wars. He will be answering questions on the military side of family history.
  • Friday 24 July - Missing records, with Carol Ann Kerry-Green.
    Carol is an experienced genealogist researching in and about Yorkshire. She will be answering questions on finding missing documents and illegitimacy.
  • Saturday 25 July - Missing records & DNA, with Mike Sharpe.
    Mike is a researcher specialising in the West Midlands and writing family histories. He will be answering questions on Birmingham & Black Country records and using DNA to breakdown brickwalls.

Find the videos at https://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/ask-the-experts-week-agra/

Listen along and share your comments within YouTube, or on Twitter/Facebook using the hashtag #AskAGRA

July 15 2020 Margaret Roberts

Cheshire Record Office - Reopening

Cheshire Record Office - Reopening
Announcement, this morning [15 July], from Cheshire Record Office 
 
We will be reopening with a limited service from Tuesday 28th July. To keep staff & visitors as safe as possible, the following measures have been put into place:
 
  • Access to the searchroom will be strictly by appointment only & numbers are limited to a maximum of 4 researchers at any one time. Appointments will be for a morning or afternoon session.
  • Bookings are to be made by email and can be made up to 2 weeks in advance.
  • Our revised opening times are as follows:
    • Tuesday, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm
    • Friday, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm
  • Access will be limited to original records & local studies publications. There will be no access to microfilm readers or paper catalogues.
  • Documents must be ordered in advance
  • Social distancing and hygiene measures are in place in the searchroom.
    • Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance.
    • The toilets will be open on a one in one out basis.
  • Please bring your own paper & pencil and a bank card for any contactless payments
  • Our online shop & research services have now been resumed, please visit our website for further info.
  • These arrangements for your visit have been developed in conjunction with the Cheshire West & Chester Council H&S team and in line with current Public Health & Government advice. They may be reviewed at any time as this advice changes.
July 15 2020 Margaret Roberts

The first Family Tree Academy: Weekend Conference,

The first Family Tree Academy: Weekend Conference,
The first Family Tree Academy: Weekend Online Conference, in association with FamilySearch
24 to 26 July 2020 

The team of presenters from FamilySearch will take delegates through topics aimed to help people both new to family history and those already with some years of experience.

The presentations will be aired live on the Family Tree webpage and you will be able to put your questions to the presenters at the end of the live sessions each day via Facebook Live. 

The presentations will start at 5pm each day (24 to 26 July), and each will run for approximately 20 minutes each, with comfort breaks, closing with the presenter Q&A session.

 

For quick reference, list of titles below, for full details and joining instructions see - 

https://www.family-tree.co.uk/how-to-guides/conference/the-family-tree-academy-weekend-conference-programme/

Friday 24 July, from 5pm:

  • Getting started on your family history – Brian McKechnie

  • FamilySearch overview and resources – Tim Manners

  • How to start your family tree on FamilySearch – Andrew Milnes

Saturday 25 July, from 5pm

  • Discovery experiences on Family Search – Keith Penfold

  • An introduction to memories (The importance of having a personal digital asset plan) – Virginio Baptista

  • How to make Family History fun for all ages – Jacob Hawkins

Sunday 26 July, from 5pm

  • Introduction to FamilySearch mobile apps, Tree and Memories - Tim Manners

  • Helping your relatives to share their Memories - Brian McKechnie

  • How to share my family history and memories - Torsten Kux



July 06 2020 Margaret Roberts

The National Archives - Reopening

The National Archives - Reopening
Press Release from the NATIONAL ARCHIVES regarding re-opening
 
 
Since mid-March, our iconic and much-loved building in Kew has been silent. With our reading rooms closed, the vast majority of our staff working from home and many of our usual services suspended, we have focused on bringing you more digital content and online resources. I hope you’ve been able to enjoy our online talks, podcasts, free downloads of digital records available through our website and our ever-popular research guides and education resources.
 
Following recent government announcements, I am delighted that our reading rooms in Kew will re-open on 21 July 2020. It’s wonderful to know that visitors will again be able to use our reading rooms and have access to our collection of original documents.
 
The re-opening will be a gradual process and The National Archives will look and feel very different to what you are used to. We’ll be providing limited access to parts of the building and our services will operate differently for the time being.In recent weeks, we’ve been busy preparing and introducing new measures. We will be introducing a booking system. All visits will need to be pre-booked and we will ask everyone to pre-plan and order all documents in advance. You will notice a new document delivery process to protect you, our staff and to ensure the correct handling and quarantine of documents. A one-way system will be in place around the building with signage to help with social distancing. There will also be rigorous cleaning throughout the day.
 
​You can find more information on our website about how to book, our new safety arrangements, and what to expect when you visit.
The safety of our visitors and staff is paramount to the decision we have taken to re-open our reading rooms. We will keep all of our opening arrangements under constant review, and would welcome your feedback over the coming weeks.
 
I’m pleased to say that, for the time being, we will also continue to provide free downloads of our digital collection on our website, along with a huge number of research guides, resources and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for your continued support of The National Archives and look forward to welcoming you back from 21 July.
 
 Pop along to the link below for more detail about how to book etc - 
 

Page 2 of 7