How to use the Record Office

The Northamptonshire Record Office holds over 800 years of the county’s archival heritage.

When you arrive at the Record Office, please press the buzzer firmly and give your name, staff will then let you through the security door. The reception area is to your right.

The Record Office Reception area. We have 4 computers in the reception area providing free internet access.

Our friendly staff at the reception desk will explain how the Record Office works. If you need a CARN card we can issue you with one, if you have the necessary documents.

When you are ready, sign in on the sheet. You will need your CARN card to do this.

Please put all coats and bags in a locker. You will need an old 10p coin to make the lockers work, which we will give you.

The Microfilm and Index Room.

You don’t need to book an appointment, and we can show you how the microfiche readers work.

Once you have found the references for the records you would like to see, please complete the document request slips. You can request up to four original documents at a time.

The Record Office Searchroom, where all original documents are viewed. It is an area for quiet study.

There is always staff around to help you.

All of our original records are kept in our purpose built repositories, on over ten miles of shelving.

We have a small tea and coffee area, where you can relax and take a break from your research.