Visiting Us
The Record Office is currently closed to researchers whilst we prepare our collections for the move to our new sites in Chester and Crewe. Access will begin again once our new centres open in early 2026. For further details please see our project page. If you need to contact us please use our contact form.
Our online records are still available and it is possible to carry out research into many popular subjects. Our guides have lots of useful links to records that are available online.
Many of our records are available to search and view on the subscription websites Find My Past and Ancestry. This can be accessed with a subscription or for free in libraries in Cheshire. Our popular database indexes are still available to search for Overleigh Cemetery, First World War servicemen, railway staff registers, Cheshire military records and many more.
As well as the records we make available online, did you know?….
Questions and answers
Q: I have an urgent business need to access a record. Can I still visit the Record Office?
A:If you need to access a record urgently for a business need please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note we may need up to a week’s notice to arrange access.
Q: Can I still order copies of documents?
A: Yes. Our copying service is still available. Please place orders through our online shop. We aim to complete all orders within 10 working days.
Q: Can you carry out research on my behalf?
A: Yes. If you need us to check the information on your behalf we can carry out a short search and look up for you at a charge of £8.50. We can also undertake more extensive genealogical and historical research on your behalf. This will cost £34.00 per hour. There is a maximum of 5 hours per request.
Q: I urgently need a copy of my baptism certificate. Can I still order a copy?
A:Yes. Please contact us giving details of the date, church, names and parent’s names. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Q: I am responsible for records deposited with you and need some items returned temporarily. Is this possible?
A:Yes. Please contact us and give plenty of notice as we may need to package the records for you.
Q: I have some records I would like to deposit. Is this possible?
A:It is still possible to deposit records with us. As we get closer to moving we may ask you to postpone bring us new additions until the service is up and running in our new homes. We will still be able to make arrangements for records at risk of being lost – so please contact us.
Curiouser and Curiouser: Stories from our Collections
Photo exhibitions on Flickr