How to see a document in the archives
If you are unable to visit in person, the Surrey History Centre offers a research service and can arrange for many of the items in the collections to be copied. See the following pages on the Surrey History Centre website for more information:
Visiting Surrey History Centre in Person:
Booking in Advance
It is not essential to book in advance to see documents at the Surrey History Centre but it is recommended, especially if you want to use microfilm or microfiche equipment. Documents booked in advance will be ready on your arrival, this means you can start your research immediately.
Some items in the archive, particularly photographs, are kept in special stores and need to be ordered up to a day in advance. It is always best to check before visiting the Surrey History Centre to avoid a wasted journey.
To book either telephone 01483 518737 or e-mail shs@surreycc.gov.uk.
Original documents or copies
The majority of the documents held by the Surrey History Centre may be consulted without prior notice. However, a significant minority have access restrictions applied to them.
Researchers therefore need to be aware that they may not always be able to see an original document.
If any restrictions are found to apply, please ask a member of staff for advice. Some items are too fragile to touch. These are classed as ‘UFP’ or ‘Unfit for Production’. Others need to be handled with extra care to ensure their preservation. These are classed as ‘AP’ because they require ‘Assisted Production.’ Many of these records can be seen on microfilm or microfiche or they have been copied to make them available for research.
Closed Records
Some records are closed for a specific period to protect sensitive information (for example personal medical data). This may vary from 30 years to 100 years. These closure periods are not absolute but requests to gain access to such information need to be monitored and referred to the depositor for guidance. Checking with the Surrey History Centre before visiting will help avoid a wasted journey.
Some records are covered by the Freedom of Information Act; more information on how to see such records is given on the Surrey History Centre website.
More information
Read the Surrey History Centre guide for users: “Caring for our collection”.
For details about using the facilities and archive at the Surrey History Centre visit their website.
For more general information about the archive and its contents see the “Archives” page on this web site.
