Visit the searchroom

The searchroom is free to visit and open to everyone interested in exploring Essex’s rich history.

What can I access in the searchroom? 

• Original archive documents
• Copies of original documents on microfilm and microfiche
• Recordings from the Essex Sound and Video Archive
• Maps
• Reference library
• Online resources - Essex Archives Online, Ancestry, FindMyPast, and the British Newspaper Archive
• Essex County Council's art collection
• Support from members of staff
• Advice from the Essex Society for Family History

Opening hours

The searchroom is open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am - 5pm. 

Every four weeks, opening hours extend to Friday and Saturday (9am - 4pm) and we stay open until 8pm on a Tuesday. 

See our Opening hours page for more details. 

Getting into the searchroom

There is no need to book an appointment to visit the searchroom. 

If you are only using the library, maps, or online resources, we can issue you with a Day Ticket. 

If you'd like to view original documents, you will need an Archives Card. 

You can register for an Archives Card in advance on the Archives Card Hub. Please bring two forms of ID when you visit so we can issue you the card (see list of accepted ID). 

If you haven't registered in advance, we can help you to sign up when you visit. 

To help us protect the unique collections we care for, no bags, pens, or food and drink are allowed in the searchroom. You are welcome to bring in pencils, notebooks, laptops, tablets, and your phone. 

Searching the archives

You can search the archives before your visit on our online catalogue, Essex Archives Online. Here you can find information about the archives we hold as well as digital copies of documents, images, and sound and video recordings. 

Visit our collections and resources pages to help you get started with your research. 

Ordering documents

Once you have an Archives Card, you can use Essex Archives Online to order documents to look at in the searchroom. 

Documents usually take around 15 to 30 minutes to collect from storage. You can order up to 5 documents at a time. 

Taking photographs

You can take photographs in the searchroom with your camera or phone. You will need to buy a camera licence - these can be purchased at the searchroom desk. 

Please see our guidelines for taking photographs in the searchroom. 

Our copying and search services

If the material you would like to access isn't available online, or you can't visit in person, we can make copies for you or search the archives on your behalf. 

Get in touch

You are very welcome to get in touch before your visit if you would like any advice or assistance.