The Searchroom

What is available in the searchroom?

There is seating for six researchers and two microfilm readers and two microfiche readers available in the search room. A computer is available to access historical and genealogical sites on the Internet and to use CD-ROMs. A coin-operated photocopier is available for researchers to make their own copies. Orders can be taken for copies from microfilms.

Sources:

  • Local studies books - reference collection

  • Parish register transcriptions

  • Monumental Inscription recordings

  • 1881 British Census and National Index on CD-ROM

  • 1841-1901 Census returns on microfilm and microfiche

  • Original parish registers on microfilm

  • Local newspapers from 1850 on microfilm

  • National Probate Index for England and Wales 1858-1943 on microfiche

  • Local periodicals

  • Printed maps

Using the search room:

To use the Centre's collections in the Search Room, you must have a valid reader's ticket.

The A.N.Palmer Centre is a member of the CARN readers' ticket scheme.

If you already have a CARN ticket bring it with you.
If not, bring a proof of your identity, including name, current address and signature (eg a driving license or household bill and cheque guarantee card) so staff can issue you with your free reader's ticket.

Remember that UK passports alone are not sufficient as they do not provide proof of address.

All ticket holders are required to keep to the search room rules. The Centre reserves the right to suspend or refuse to issue a reader's ticket.

Once you have a reader's ticket:

  • Catalogues and indexes are available

  • You should complete a separate request form for each document

  • As the records are irreplaceable, please follow the search room rules

  • Pencils only are to be used in the search room. No form of ink is allowed

  • No smoking, drinking or eating (including sweets and chewing gum)

  • Do not lean or write on any documents or books

  • Please switch off mobile phones

  • No reference materials or sources should be taken out of the search room

A full list of Search Room rules is displayed in the Centre. These rules are to make your stay enjoyable and to ensure that the historic material in the A.N. Palmer Centre survives for future generations.

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