Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Derbyshire Record Office holds original documents created in Derbyshire dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Yes. Most of our material is available to all researchers but there are limitations. 

Yes. Anyone can visit the Search Room to consult the archives.

No. Virtually all our archival material is currently in traditional formats.

Yes, subject to copyright and conservation requirements.

No. Under Copyright Regulations, copies of copyright documents cannot be published in hard copy or electronic form without written permission. 

Yes, if your ancestors came from Derbyshire and appear in original Derbyshire records

Yes, we can.

If you are undertaking family history research, you should book a microform reader in advance.

Yes. We accept it as identification, but you still need to complete a registration card the first time you visit.

If the number is a D followed by 1,2,3 or 4 numbers, this is a reference to a collection and not to items within it. 

Yes. Search Room staff will explain how to access material and the Duty Archivist can advise generally on archive sources.

Yes. You can order up to three items in advance of your visit if you know the item reference numbers.

Yes. The Record Office is accessible by car, train and bus.

You need proof of identity and address to register as a reader.

Contact the County Archivist or the Duty Archivist.

Yes. As Diocesan Record Office, the Record Office can issue certificates from parish registers at Derbyshire Record Office.

I think my ancestors came from one parish and it would be helpful if I could have remote access to all the parish registers so that I can search over several centuries. How can I do this?