General Chat

Hi Whenever I get to travel for my work (nothing to do with genealogy) I try to find the local records office. Today I just got back from Ipswich and managed to pop into the Ipswich branch of the Suffolk Records office. It looks like an old Victorian school. As ever the staff were really helpful and friendly and I managed to get some bits and pieces to add to my mountain of other bits and pieces. I think my favourite records office is at Oxford (St Lukes church, Cowley) - they make a wicked cup of coffee! Where's your fave or least fave? Saz

Hi Saz well i love the FRC, the only other record office i have been to is Lewes and they are so helpful. Nice to see someone else is having a good week with info happy hunting sandra

Maz - I'm always a bit daunted at the FRC is it always so busy? I do like the old buildings that have been converted - adds to the atmosphere. Saz

The National Archives, Kew is fantastic - modern, bright, great bookshop, restaurant, etc. FRC is OK but I associate it with armstrain from all those heavy volumes of indexes. The Buckinghamshire Centre for Local Studies (phew!) is in a building which also houses the county library. It has a general room with parish registers, censuses, etc and an archive room where you get to look at the quarter-sessions books and other documents. Staff were extremely helpful. nell

If they've got the records (and give them to me!) I'm happy. I love Winchester. Have followed it through several incarnations. It used to be in a church, and you'd raise your head to stare straight at a cherub. Now it's modern, with lots of stuff on open access, but the original documents are really easy to order and arrive really quickly. I never see much of the town because it's so close to the station, but I'll have had my day in the past, so I don't care! Brenda

Saz, it's good to know the FRC is busy. It's been like a morgue the last few times I visited. Half terms are generally a bad time to visit and it may be worth checking to find out whether they are expecting any coach parties or special events. Brenda

Brenda I know what you mean about not seeing the towns you're in. This week I've been to Dover - the shops were a bit disappointing but I guess most people are passing through. Then I went to Euston and was tantalisingly close to the LMA & FRC but meeting went on til 6pm so missed my chance - but I was determined to see Ipswich. Even got a quick look at the building my gg grandfather worked in 150 yrs ago. That was really nice. Saz

Yes Brenda, Winchester is good and the staff friendly and helpful. It's sooo close to the station that if I'm travelling by train and have to change platforms, I usually do so via a quick trip to the HRO. Chichester is OK too and very conveniently near the town but I always feel guilty taking too many fiche because the staff there prefer to put them back themselves and I'm usually searching a whole parish.They don't say anything and are helpful,- it's just how I feel.

I've only been to one records office and that's the one in my town. It isn't even open.

Worcester library and History centre. It used to be a co-op supermarket and when they found the original RO couldn't cope they bought the co-op building in the centre of Worcester. Easy to get to and very friendly. Ros

County Hall in Hertford always makes everyone welcome. They give you as much help as you need and are interested in your reseach. There is an ante room for coffee,tea etc.. and the toilets are lovely and clean. Viv

Been to the FRC, the LMA, Maidstone and Colindale. Love the FRC, would move in if I could! The LMA staff are very helpful. At Maidstone you are left pretty much to get on with it, but they are helpful if necessary. Loved Colindale this week, actually touching the original newspapers from the 1850's was a thrill for me. (Sad old bag!!) The only thing I would say is how freezing it was! Maz. XX

I use Dorchester a lot,they are very helpful and it has a lovely atmosphere.However I sometimes have to go down to Taunton as my family straddle borders and I need Somerset records. I do not find them particularly helpful here and in fact very off putting if you are a novice. The little family history centres in Bridport and Crewkerne are lovely .Run by delightful people who are enthusiastic and keen to help. Rose