Searchroom

How many users can we accommodate

We have 14 tables for looking at original documents and one that is suitable for consulting large documents and maps, 17 microfilm readers, 2 microfiche readers and 9 PCs.

Copying from microfilm/microfiche

You can make your own copies from microfilm and microfiche using our coin operated reader printer. This costs 50p per frame.

Using your own equipment in the searchroom

If you would like to use your camera, digital camera or mobile phone to take images, without flash, please ask. For copyright reasons we need to grant and monitor permissions. We will ask you to complete a camera permit form and sign a declaration, we will then issue a camera permit. There is a charge for this service:  Day permit £3; Week permit £10; Annual permit £40.

We have power points available for you to use laptops at the tables and some microfilm readers. The use of scanning equipment is not permitted because of the risk of damage to documents.

Internet access

We have 9 PCs with Internet access available and on-screen links to our online resources and useful websites for family and local history.

• Free access to The Cheshire Collection on Find My Past - over 10 million Cheshire records 1542-1910.
• Free access to Ancestry Library Edition. This includes indexes of births, marriages and deaths 1837-2006, UK census returns from 1841-1901, England and Wales Criminal Registers 1791-1892, etc.
• Free access to the 1911 census is also available with Find My Past.

Finding what you are looking for

There are various ways to find out what we hold to help you with your research. We are happy to offer you any help you need, so do ask if you have a query.

• Catalogues, indexes, the Cheshire Record Office Guide and the Chester Archives Guide are available to help you identify the references of records you would like to see. 
• Our online catalogue is updated regularly.
• Also check the Access to Archives index.
• Check our Search and Shop pages for all our online databases

Help us to preserve Cheshire's archives

As our records are unique and irreplaceable, we ask you to observe a few simple rules to protect them, in particular:

• please do not remove documents from the searchroom.
• please use pencils only in the searchroom: no form of ink is permitted - even for your own notes!
• please do not drink or eat (including sweets and chewing gum).
• please do not lean upon any document or rest your paper on it while you are making notes.
• please ask for advice if you are not sure how to handle a document.

And, to avoid disturbing other users ...

• Please don't enter into lengthy discussions about your research in the Searchroom - you are welcome to do this in our cloakroom.
• Please switch off your mobile phone or keep it in silent mode.