Accessibility | Click to skip Navigation | Javascript Disabled   


Site Map | * Print Page 
Need Help?  
 Home    Living      Visiting      Learning      Working    Your Council   Online    My Profile
 Introduction | Emergency Info | Partners | Island Maps | A-Z of Council Services
*
Introduction*
Contacting Us*
FAQs*
Finding Us*
Obtaining Copies*
Opening Times*
Research Service*
Using the Record Office*

Other Sections:
Catalogues
Databases
Indexes
Online Forms
Pictures
Types of Records
Weblinks
 

USING THE RECORD OFFICE



On arriving at the Record Office you should report to the Enquiries Desk in the Search Room. You will be asked to sign the Visitors' Book and issued with a reader's ticket, if you do not already have one. There are two types of tickets available:


Day Tickets

These give you access to the Office for one day and are suitable for those who intend to visit the Office either once or occasionally. You will need to give details of your name and address, but will not require proof of identification.

C.A.R.N. Tickets

Those who visit the Office regularly should obtain a C.A.R.N. (County Archive Research Network) ticket. These tickets are free; they are valid for four years and will give you access to any record office that belongs to the Research Netowrk. You will need to produce some proof of identification containing a name and address eg. driving licence, utility bill or bank statement. (Please note that passports do not contain addresses.)

FINDING AIDS



There are various indexes and catalogues to help you to decide which records to examine. In some cases you will find that the information provided by the finding aids is so detailed that there is no need to consult the original document.

Names Index

This is the most extensive index. It records all entries in the parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials, as well as including references to some nonconformist material and numerous miscellaneous items. The index principally covers the period 1539 - 1900, and is arranged alphabetically by surname.
usingthe00

Place Index

This provides details about documents relating to specific parishes - in particular, it includes numerous references to title deeds. The index is arranged alphabetically by place, and then subdivided into 5 sections: miscellaneous, maps & plans, title deeds, manors and wills. Within each section the cards are arranged in date order.

Subject Index

This is fairly limited in its scope. The topics covered include agriculture, mills, poor law, transport, public houses. The subjects are in alphabetical order and within each subject group there is a chronological arrangement. A thesaurus is available listing all the subjects covered by the index.

Ecclesiastical Index

This index records the names and dates of various office holders (eg. churchwardens, incumbents) in the parishes, and has been compiled largely from information provided by parish records. It is arranged alphabetically by parish and then organised chronologically.

Estates Index

This is an index to the various estate collections held by the Record Office. Within each estate the cards are grouped in date order.

Catalogues

These include catalogues to estate collections, parish records, nonconformist records, records of local government, schools, hospitals and businesses.

Library

There is a small library of reference books and published works about both the Isle of Wight and historical sources.

Members of staff will be pleased to provide guidance on using the Office's facilities. Please ask if you require assistance.

REQUESTING DOCUMENTS


  • Each document has a unique reference number by which it is identified. The reference numbers are obtained from the indexes and catalogues.

  • If you wish to see a particular document, you should write its reference number and details on a request slip, and then sign and date it. The request slips are kept on the Enquiry Desk. You may request up to 4 items at one time, but you should use a separate slip for each item.

  • The completed slips should be handed, together with your reader's ticket, to a member of staff or placed in the request box on the Enquiry Desk. Please note that last orders for documents are half an hour before closing time.

CONSULTING DOCUMENTS


  • A member of staff will fetch the documents that you have requested, and they should be produced within 5 - 10 minutes. (Production times may be longer if the Search Room is particularly busy.)

  • Please remember that each record is unique and historically precious, and should therefore be handled carefully. Use a PENCIL when taking notes and do not lean on the documents. EATING, DRINKING & SMOKING are not allowed in the Search Room. Please show consideration to other researchers by keeping as quiet as possible.

  • It is advisable to record the reference numbers of any records that you consult in case you wish to refer to them again.

RETURNING DOCUMENTS



Documents should be handed back at the Enquiry Desk. Once you have finished consulting original material, your reader's ticket will be returned. Please ensure that you have returned the documents at least ten minutes before closing time.

usingthe01 Download copy of Guidelines

Top of Page



  © 2007 Isle of Wight Council | Disclaimer | Privacy | Contact WebTeam | Direct Gov | Freedom of Information Top Return to Top of Page
Valid CSS! Bobby Approved! Internet Crystal Mark This site is browsealoud enabled Content Providers IWC Webteam