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Abbey and graveyard, 1903. Cat ref: COPY1/465Local History - your guide to resources
 
 
 
 

How to research your local history

The study of local history is becoming more popular all the time. Here at The National Archives we welcome its growth and look forward to your visit.

We hold the records of central government and the courts of law for England and Wales and the United Kingdom. However Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own record offices, so the bulk of our material is on England and Wales.

Local historians will often find a great deal in their county record office, local studies library or sometimes with local history societies. Nevertheless, we hold records that will be invaluable for anyone researching the past of a community.

Beginners' guides

  

Topics to research:

   Go to topic  
 
     
 

Local history documents

  
 

Online

You can search for:

  • A records office or local studies library in your area (free search) Go
  • Records held by local archives (free search) Go
  • 1901 census records (free search, charged download) Go
  • Legal papers from a specific place (free search, charged download) Go

 

At The National Archives

You can:

  • View original documents free of charge
  • Order up to 3 documents in advance of your visit more
  • Find out about visiting The National Archives more

 

If the items you want aren't already available online and you can't visit us, you can:

  • order copies of documents more
  • or, you can employ the services of an independent researcher more

 
 

News & Events

Local history fairs

We regularly go to local history fairs - come and meet the experts from The National Archives and Family Records Centre. Go to list

View all news

In the Bookshop

Book

Maps for Family and Local History

This guide shows you how three great land surveys can provide information on your ancestor's home as well as fascinating historical snapshots of your area. more

Go to the bookshop
 
 

Useful links  For more helpful local history links please visit our Archives portal  Go to the Archives portal