Our Holdings

Archives are our memory; they provide a unique access to our past. They are the written records of people's day-to-day lives.
Durham County Record Office is responsible for collecting and preserving the archives of people and organisations in County Durham and Darlington, and making them available to members of the public in the search room at County Hall in Durham City.

The archives that are cared for by the Record Office reflect all aspects of the life and work of the people of County Durham and Darlington. They include the records of the County Council and its predecessors, other local authorities, The Durham Light Infantry, churches, businesses of all types, families and estates, schools and colleges, clubs, societies and individuals.

We hold almost 4 miles (6.4km) of records, which are stored in strong rooms, where they can be protected from theft and fire, and where the temperature and humidity are controlled. We always welcome new deposits or gifts of records from individuals and organisations. We do not charge the owners of records for this service.

Our earliest document dates from about 1122, but archives are not all old - for example, we hold up-to-date minutes of the County Council and parish registers from 2009. Archives are usually paper and parchment, but can also be photographs, films, sound recordings and electronic records.

The preservation of archives for future generations often requires the skilled attention of our Conservator. Paper and parchment documents are repaired using traditional and modern techniques, in our well-equipped workshop.

People use archives for a wide variety of reasons. They may be following a personal interest or hobby, especially local and family history; establishing legal rights; investigating archaeological or environmental issues; taking part in education, both formal and informal; pursuing business information; or researching for a publication or television programme.

About 6000 people visit the Record Office each year, and many more contact us by post, telephone and email. Admission to the search room is free. Our space is limited, so to help you enjoy your visit to the full, we have to ask you to make an appointment in advance.

Our most popular records, for example parish and non-conformist church registers and census returns are available only on microfilm. We microfilm them to save the original documents from wear and tear, to ensure their survival for future generations.

As well as providing facilities for individuals to visit the Record Office, we also welcome visits by groups. Alternatively, we can come out to talk to your group or society. A charge is made for group visits and talks.

To enable you to find the archives that are relevant to your research, our qualified archivists describe and list them in detail. Our catalogues are available in the Record Office search room, but you can also search for relevant items on-line . The database gives you access to all the catalogues of documents held in the Record Office and the opportunity to view about 40,000 of our photographs. You will also find details of the books and pamphlets in the Record Office library. They are not available for loan. The website also contains information about our resources for family history.

If you cannot visit the Record Office yourself, we are able to make a search on your behalf. Short, specific searches are carried out free of charge, although there will be a charge for any copies we provide. For longer or more complex requests, we offer a research service for a fee.