Archives are original documents produced by official bodies,
societies and individuals that are no longer in current use.
- They may be eight or 800 years old. Most archives are
unique and have to be housed in secure conditions and handled with
care.
- Many archives have been copied onto microfiche in order to save
wear and tear on the originals.
- The documents range from the 12th to the 20th century. Included
are official and privately-owned archives.
Archives can be used for:
- Tracing your family history.
- Discovering the history of your village or town.
- Discovering the history of your house.
- School and college projects.
- Checking certain legal rights, for example rights of
way.
- Obtaining official certified copies of many local (church)
baptisms and marriages. (Please note that birth and death
certificates are only obtainable from Register Offices).