Archives and Local History Service

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Kingston's archives and local studies collection is a unique and irreplaceable resource which has been built up over many years and is still increasing as more items are offered to the service. The material is widely used by local historians, genealogists, schools and colleges.  You may visit personally.  Alternatively we offer a limited research service.

Please note we sell National Archives (formerly Public Record Office) vouchers in denominations of £5 and £10 for internet access to the census returns, 1841-1901, and the BMD indexes, 1837-2004.  These can be used in the Local History Room or be sent to you by post on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope.

What we hold:

• The Royal Borough's archives dating from 1208
• Local books and directories
• Maps
• Newspapers
• Photographs and paintings of historic Kingston, New Malden and Surbiton
• Taped reminiscences
• The International Genealogical Index and the Census returns
• A developing data-base of Victorian sources, courtesy of Kingston  University  
• Research material relating to pioneer photographer, Eadweard Muybridge.

Enter our 2007 photographic competition and preserve Kingston's past for the future.  

The 2007 competition has now closed. The winners will be announced at a reception in Kingston Museum on Thursday 6th March 2008 at 7pm.  All welcome.  The subject of the 2008 competition will also be announced.

Online catalogues, finding aids and fact sheets

• We have contributed to Access for Archives, a national database maintained by the National Archives, and additional information about our archive holdings can be viewed on their website (see related external links below)
• We are also participating in Project WILL (What's in London Libraries).  This brings together information about public libraries and local studies collections
• We have a number of online resources including local history fact sheets and archive material on specific subjects including World War 2 and documents for Citizenship.
• The Centre for Local History Studies at Kingston University is developing a database of resources for the second half of the 19th Century.  
  The Life Cycles database is now online on Kingston University web site.
  

Research Service

If you are unable to visit personally, we offer a limited research service. Our charges are £20 per hour and £10 per half hour, inclusive of VAT, postage, and up to five photocopies. Please note that we undertake a minimum of half an hour's work and a maximum of three hours.  

Please submit your request for research in writing. Remember to be as clear and concise as possible to avoid confusion. Enclose the minimum fee of £10 with your application. We will invoice you for any extra afterwards. (Please state the maximum you are prepared to pay).  

Address and Opening Hours

       Kingston Local History Room
       Room 46
       North Kingston Centre
       Richmond Road
       Kingston upon Thames
       KT2 5PE
       United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8547 6738

Email: local.history@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Opening hours
Mondays	10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Tuesdays	10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 7.00pm During adult education term time: 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 9.00pm Term dates:          15 January to 25 March 2008     29th April to 8 July 2008
Wednesday	Closed
Thursdays	10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Fridays	10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

Additional closures

The Local History Room will be closed from 26th to 30th May 2008 for urgent refurbishment works to the windows. Telephone and email enquiries will still be accepted during this time on 020 8547 6738 or email us on local.history@rbk.kingston.gov.uk .  We apologise for the inconvenience.

Please also note that the Local History Room will be closed for its annual stocktaking from Friday 25th July 2008 at 5pm opening again on Monday 11th August at 10am.  We are sorry for any inconvenience.  Please ring 020 8547 6755 if you have an urgent enquiry.   

Advance booking for archives
You don't need to book in advance to visit the Local History Room.  However, as many of our archives are stored off-site, you will need to order the documents you require at least two days before your visit on 020 8547 6735 or 6738.   

Access
Access for visitors with disabilities is now available. A lift to the first floor near our Local History Room has been installed with key access.
Please telephone staff in advance for assistance.  Car parking is available at the North Kingston Centre including spaces for disabled people.

Online Shopping for Local Books

Our online shop for local history books is now available.  Credit card payments are accepted and books will be despatched by post.  A range of the most popular books are offered and more will be added on a regular basis.  Visit our museum shop in person to see our full range.

Reproduction and Photography

The following forms should be used if you wish to order or reproduce items held by Kingston Museum & Heritage Service.  Please sign and return by post or in person to

       Kingston Museum & Heritage Service
       Local History Room
       North Kingston Centre
       Richmond Road
       Kingston upon Thames

Please use

• Form 1 if you wish to order photographs or photocopies of items held in Kingston Museum and Heritage Service for private study or a non-commercial purpose.

           Form 1: Local History Room: Reprographics Order Form

• Form 2 if you wish to reproduce items held Kingston Museum and Heritage Service for publishing (including online publishing), broadcast or other purpose not connected with private study.

           Form 2: Local History Room: Reproduction Application Form

• Form 3 if you require permission to film or photograph items held by Kingston Museum and Heritage Service yourself.

           Form 3: Local History Room: Photography and Filming Order Form