Archives
Surrey's archives are a vast resource of written documents, maps, illustrations and photographs relating to all aspects of the history of the county. You can study the archives at Surrey History Centre in Woking.
You might want to look at the history of your house or family. We can also help you to investigate themes such as social or political history, the development of garden design or the lives of local personalities.
At the History Centre, there are documentary sources and publications relating to local government - Quarter Sessions, the County Council and local district and parish councils; private and family papers relating to landed estates or local people; and information concerning local businesses, schools, charities, churches, clubs and societies.
The following databases containing descriptions of the archives held at Surrey History Centre can be searched on this website.
- The Collections Catalogue, gives access to the full text of over 95% of Surrey History Centre's archive catalogues. Search for records covering the economic, religious and social history of the county.
- Robert Barclay Illustrations. A Surrey-wide collection of prints and watercolours from the 17th to 19th centuries. The images are not available online; please contact Surrey History Centre to arrange to see them.
- Francis Frith Photographs held by Surrey History Centre, part of the national Frith archive established in 1860. Some images are linked to the Francis Frith website, where you can view them online.
- Collection of Surrey Illustrations. We hold a collection of over 15,000 postcards, photographs, drawings, prints and paintings. The images are not available online; please contact Surrey History Centre to arrange to see them.
- Library Maps. Surrey History Centre holds a rich array of printed maps, from town plans to county maps.
- Journals held by Surrey History Centre, including many publications from local history societies. You can search the titles of the articles within these journals.
- Loseley Letters, recording the official and private correspondence of successive members of the More family of Loseley House between c.1506 and 1689. They form an important record of Tudor and Stuart life in the county.
- Sale Particulars, a key resource for those researching their house or local history.
For more information about Surrey History Centre, please visit the website for opening hours, location map and further information on the range of resources held.
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