Sources Available

Worcestershire Record Office County Hall Branch

If you are interested in using original documents then you may wish to visit or send an enquiry to the County Hall branch of the Record Office. This branch is largely used by people researching local history, undertaking academic research or researching in depth family history details.

Amongst the original records held at the County Hall Branch are:

• Administrative archives of the present and former County and some districts.
• Petty Sessions and other official records such as those of Coroners, some hospitals and poor law unions.
• Quarter Sessions records dating back to 1590.
• The extensive Worcestershire Photographic Survey.
• Records of the Diocese of Worcester.
• Ecclesiastical and Non-conformist records.
• Estate and family papers.
• School records.
• Maps and plans.
• Records of groups, societies and businesses in Worcestershire.

Please note that these are just some of the records and sources we hold at the Record Office. We now have an online catalogue available for the first time, which will help you to search some of our records in more detail. Some of our collections now have indexes which are available to search online. These are constantly being added to so keep checking back for new additions. Search our catalogue and indexes here.

Worcestershire History Centre

If you are interested in starting your family history then you should visit or send an enquiry to the Worcestershire History Centre. Unlike the County Hall Branch, the History Centre does not hold original documents, instead it houses microfilm and microfiche copies of records for Worcestershire and some surrounding counties, as well as some national records.

Sources held at the Worcestershire History Centre include:

• Census returns.
• Free use of Ancestry.co.uk.
• Local maps
• Trade and clerical directories
• Local newspapers.
• Parish and non-conformist records
• Wills and other probate records
• Cemetery and crematoria records
• International genealogical Index
• General Register Office index of births, marriages and deaths
• The Worcestershire Photographic Survey

Some of our collections now have indexes which are available to search online. These are constantly being added to so keep checking back for new additions.