What can I access in the searchroom?

Original documents

We look after over 8 miles of original documents covering 1,000 years of Essex history. You can view many of these in our searchroom, for free, with no need to book an appointment. To search our collections and order documents, visit our online catalogue, Essex Archives Online.

 

Copies of records on microfilm and microfiche

Some documents are only available to view as copies on microfilm and microfiche. These can be found in drawers in the main library area.

Many of these documents are Essex parish registers or local newspapers. If you would like more information about the editions we hold for a specific local newspaper, please get in touch.

To view microfilm or microfiche, use the digital reader. If you need help using the equipment, just ask a member of staff. If you would like to print copies, you can pay to do this at the searchroom desk. 

 

Recordings in the Essex Sound and Video Archive

Some recordings in the Essex Sound and Video Archive are available to listen to or view online. You can access these for free via:

• Essex Archives Online (log in required)
• Our Soundcloud channel
• Our Youtube channel
• The Essex Sounds website

Due to copyright restrictions, other recordings can only be accessed in the searchroom. 

You can order recordings on Essex Archives Online in the same way as documents. To search for audio-visual material only, select ‘Audio Visual’ in the drop-down box.

We do not issue original recordings. Instead, you'll receive an access copy. Cassettes, VHS tapes, CDs and DVDs can be played using the dedicated players in the playback room. Access to digital files will be provided on the Digital Access computer. 

If you need help with equipment or access, just ask a member of staff or our Sound Archivist. 

Some recordings have not yet been catalogued or digitised, so you won't be able to order them on Essex Archives Online. To access these, please email ero.enquiry@essex.gov.uk. 

 

Maps

You can access many of the maps in the collection in the searchroom. You’re welcome to explore the maps stored in the drawers under the map tables, which include:

• OS (Ordnance Survey) maps
• Copies of tithe and enclosure maps
• Road and railway maps
• Sea charts
• … and many others!

You can also browse copies of estate maps and awards for the tithe and enclosure maps on the shelves behind the map tables.

Keys to the OS maps can be found in one of the top drawers. First edition OS maps are stored in the closed map chests. Just ask a member of staff if you’d like to view them.

Clear protective sheets are available to protect the maps while you’re looking at them.

 

Reference library

Our reference library features a wide range of publications about Essex, history, and genealogy.

Most of the publications are organised by topic. Local history publications can be found by the map tables, organised alphabetically by place. 

Pamphlets are stored in labelled boxes to the left of the main library area, organised alphabetically by place, then by topic.

Magazines and journals are stored to the right of the pamphlets.

Some library items are kept in storage. If you cannot find what you're looking for, search Essex Archives Online to see whether we have a copy and where it is stored.

 

Online resources

You can use the computers in the searchroom to access a wide range of online resources, free of charge.

• Essex Archives Online: our online catalogue includes thousands of images of original documents, including parish registers and wills.
  • Free access to these images is available in our searchroom and at our access points at Saffron Walden Library, Harlow Museum, and the Forum in Southend-on-Sea.
  • If you’d like to view these from home, you can buy a subscription.
  • To access these images in the searchroom, log in with your Archives Card. If you have a Day Ticket, please ask for login details at the searchroom desk. 

• Family history websites: Ancestry and FindMyPast are available for free in the searchroom and most Essex libraries. This includes access to the 1921 census. 

• British Newspaper Archive: access this extensive archive for free in the searchroom. You’ll need to set up an account before using it.

 

Essex Society for Family History 

Volunteers from the Essex Society for Family History are available in the searchroom to help with your family history research on: 

• Tuesdays, 1pm - 4pm
• Thursdays, 10am - 1pm

Find out more on the Society's website.