How to Plan a Visit to Bath Record Office

Updated

Bath Record Office is open to everyone and holds archives, local studies and special collections covering Bath and North East Somerset from the 12th to the 21st century. To visit, you need to pre-book — the office states that pre-booking is essential. The site lists a same-day example of opening hours as 10am–1:00pm and 2:00pm–5:00pm, so treat those as a sample rather than a fixed schedule and confirm current times before you travel.

Before you go: what to check

  • Opening times — the "Visit us" section is described as covering "everything you need to know in one place," including opening times and getting here. Check it on the day you plan to attend, since the hours shown on the page are an example for that day.
  • Pre-booking — required. Book your visit through the site rather than turning up.
  • Accessibility — the visit information includes an accessibility page, useful if you have mobility or access requirements.
  • Membership cards — mentioned in the visit information; check whether you need one for the material you want to see.
  • Handling and copying records — there are rules for how records may be handled and copied. Read these before your visit so you know what you can photograph or order.

Getting there and what to expect on arrival

The "Visit us" section covers getting here along with opening times. Because the page does not list a street address or transport details in the material available here, use that section for directions rather than relying on a third-party listing.

On arrival, expect to work with original and unique collections. Handling and copying rules apply, and copying may be handled through the office's copying and research service rather than done yourself.

Finding records: start online first

You can identify what you want to see before booking, which makes a visit more productive.

  • Online catalogues — a new Archives and Local Studies catalogue is available to search.
  • Family history — dedicated starting points include the Bath Burial Index, Bath Ancestors, and the Georgian Newspaper Project.
  • Images — the Bath in Time image library lets you discover and purchase over 40,000 historic images of Bath and beyond.
  • Research guides — a set of guides is provided to help you get started with a research question or project.
  • Collections by topic — records for building history and records of public health are grouped separately, and there is a page explaining what the office does not hold — worth checking early so you don't plan a visit around records held elsewhere.

If you can't visit in person

The copying and research service means staff can assist with your research either on-site or remotely. This is the route to use if you need a specific document checked or copied but cannot attend.

Quick checklist

  1. Search the online catalogue and confirm the records you need are held here.
  2. Read the relevant research guide for your topic.
  3. Check opening times and accessibility information.
  4. Pre-book your visit — it is essential.
  5. Review handling and copying rules, and the membership card information.
  6. If you can't attend, use the copying and research service instead.