Genealogy Chat

Find out before you go what information they hold by looking at www(.)a2a(.)org(.)uk to make the most of your visit. Find the office you wish to visit then do a search on the surname you're looking for, and it will list all documents containing that surname. Look through these entries and you might just find something relating to your ancestor. It's always worth a try. You might find them on an obscure document that you would never had thought of looking for! Hope this helps. Rachel

Not sure but I believe you can see Suffolk Newspapers at Ipswich but don't quote me on that. The only other item I have researched other than baptisms, marriages and burials was when I had to look in an actual book of baptisms and burials for Needham Market Independent Chapel - they weren't on Microfiche so then I had to get a readers ticket. The website should give you an idea of the records they hold. Cheers, Horatia

Thanks for your advice . Yes it will probably just research on burials marraiges & baptisms. I am just waiting on a couple of Certificates to confirm I am on the correct branch of the tree. It would be easier if these ancestors would have not changed their name spellings & their birth dates but I guess thats half of the fun! As a matter of interest what other records/archives would I find there. Thanks Angie

That's strange. I ring them all the time to book Microfiche Readers and never have a problem. Have you got the correct telephone number? Check their website. Cheers, Horatia

hi i need to go to see the records at ipswich at some point as all my ancestors are from there. i have tried to contact the office but get no answer and they dont even reply to my emails, yvette

Blything covers all these places: Blything Created 1st July 1837. Sub-districts : Halesworth; Leiston; Southwold; Wenhaston; Westleton GRO volumes : XIII (1837-51); 4a (1852-1930). Aldringham with Thorpe, Benacre, Blyford, Blythburgh, Bramfield, Brampton, Carlton, Chediston, Cockley, Covehithe, Cratfield, Darsham, Dunwich, Easton Bavants, Frostenden, Halesworth, Henham, Henstead, Heveningham, Holton, Huntingfield, Kelsale, Knodishall, Leiston, Linstead Magna, Linstead Parva, Middleton, Peasenhall, Reydon, Rumburgh, Sibton, Sotherton, South Cove, Southwold, Spexhall, Stoven, Theberton, Thorlington, Ubbeston, Uggeshall, Walberswick, Walpole, Wangford, Wenhaston, Westhall, Westleton, Wissett, Wrentham, Yoxford If I were you I would ring the Record Office you would most like to research at and check which records they hold; but judging by the bulging drawers of Microfiche at Ipswich - I can't believe they don't hold the lot but check if it reassures you. Do you only want to look at Baptisms Marriages and Burials? You can email or phone. Here is their website address: http://www(.)suffolk.gov.uk/LeisureAndCulture/LocalHistoryandHeritage/SuffolkRecordOffice/

I was told by the library in haverhill that all suffolk records are at bury however im not sure about the other registry offices, im sure other members will know kim

yes I can understand the satisfaction of doing the actual research yourself. Some body has already researched my family tree so I have hijacked my husbands tree, I'm sure my children will thank me one day !! I need parish registers for the Blything district in Suffolk. Will I need to check which suffolk office they are at?? or will they be at all offices? Thanks Angie

Hi i live in haverhill, i went to our local library and they told me all haverhill records are kept at bury st edmunds, but im sure others will hold haverhill records aswell kim

Angela, The people on GR are great who help but there is nothing like doing your OWN research in a Record Office. It becomes YOUR research and you really feel that YOU have made the discoveries which is far more satisfying. Record Offices can be a bit daunting at first; but ask questions - the staff are normally very helpful and the next time you visit you will feel more confident. All the best, Horatia

Thank you all for your help. You might have warned me about this genealogy addiction! Angie

Hello, I have searched for loads of records without a readers ticket. The only time I had to get a card was when I wanted to consult ORIGINAL records (not on Microfiche or Film). Cheers, Horatia

Just had a look on Genuki, and this comes from the Suffolk pages: * The Suffolk Record Office† has branches at Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft. All branches of the Suffolk Record Office operate under the County Archive Research Network (CARN) and you will require a card to carry out research. The CARN card is available from Record Offices and can be used in any participating Record Office in the UK. * Bury St.Edmunds Suffolk Record Office, 77 Raingate Street, Bury St.Edmunds IP33 2AR * Ipswich Suffolk Record Office, Gateacre Road, Ipswich IP1 2LQ * Lowestoft Suffolk Record Office, Lowestoft Central Library, Clapham Road South, Lowestoft NR33 1DR * The Suffolk Family History Society Library The Suffolk Family History Society's collection of books and manuscripts is held at the Ipswich RO. It contains commercially and privately published books covering a wide range of subjects and one name studies. The society always welcomes donations of books relevant to Suffolk and the study of genealogy. For more information please contact the Suffolk FHS Librarian. * The Ipswich Family History Centre The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 42 Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 3DB Tel: 01473 723182 Open Tuesday to Thursday mornings 10 am - 12.45 pm Open Tuesday to Friday afternoons 1.15 pm - 4.00 pm Open Tuesday evenings 7.00 pm - 9.00pm (LDS members only) Open Wednesday evenings 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Pre-booking is required for many of their facilities - please contact the centre before travelling any distance, and please book well in advance. † has a link: http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/LeisureAndCulture/LocalHistoryandHeritage/SuffolkRecordOffice/ Christine

Hi Angela, I am useless at estimating numbers but hubby reckons there is 50 or 60 parking spaces. Cheers, Horatia I'm afraid Norfolk Record Office is FAR superior to Ipswich Record Office. Norfolk Record Office is more modern and has more spaces for researchers; BUT Ipswich will have the records you require.

Thanks for that advice horatia. Is there any parking near the ipswich office?? Tomorrow I am going to the norfolk records office to attend a workshop, so at least it will appear that I know what I am doing even if I do not !! Thanks Angie

Hi Angela I need to go to a Suffolk records office I have been in touch with the one at Bury St Edmunds they are quite good at answering any emails. I really need to go myself to look at records I am interested in the parish records for Haverhill. Margaret

Yes, I have ancestors in many parts of Suffolk and Ipswich Record Office haven't let me down yet! This is where Jeremy Paxman did the research into his Suffolk Ancestors. I should imagine that Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich would have ALL the records - it is just a question of choosing which record office is closest. You have to book a Microfiche reader in advance. Cheers, Horatia

Hi Angela & Horatia Does Ipswich hold records for all of Suffolk - I've not managed to get to the records office as yet, but was thinking I would need to go to Bury St Edmunds. If Ipswich does have all records that would be great as I am in Colchester!!! Thanks Jo

Hi Angela, I am a regular visitor to the Ipswich Record Office which in my view is the best. The others are at Lowestoft or Bury St Edmunds. Cheers, Horatia

Where is the best place to search for parish records? I will soon subscribe to one of the sites & I will have to travel down to the Suffolk record office at some point. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Angie