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Herefordshire - Archives and Libraries

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This web page contains information about the location and use of Archives and Libraries for Herefordshire-related family history research. Generally speaking, Archives (more commonly known as Record Offices) are repositories for original source material, such as Wills or Parish Registers, whereas the Local Studies Sections of Libraries are where you'd expect to find the Census, and printed local source material, such as Trade Directories.

If you're looking for assistance by post or email in Herefordshire, the Hereford Archive and Record Centre provide an Enquiry Service.

If nothing less than a personal visit will suffice, more detailed information, and some useful comments based on our own experiences, are offered below.

Record OfficesLibraries

  • RECORD OFFICES

    • Hereford Archive Service
      Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre
      Fir Tree Lane
      Rotherwas
      Hereford
      HR2 6LA
      Email: archives[at]herefordshire.gov[dot]uk
      Telephone: +44 (0)1432 260750

    Note: Between 1974 and 1998 the county of Herefordshire was amalgamated with Worcestershire and the county known as Hereford & Worcester (H&W). Although the buildings remained separate, this was reflected in a joint web presence for the Hereford and Worcester Record Offices on Worcestershire County Council's website which lasted until April 2000. See also the current Worcestershire Record Office website.

    Hereford Cathedral Library holds Marriage Bonds for the Peculiar of the Dean of Hereford.
    Opening hours are restricted.

    The National Library of Wales holds Probate Records for Wills proved in the Archdeaconry of Brecon, and a small amount of other Herefordshire-related material.

    See also the ARCHON (Archives On-Line) Information service for locations of other Record Offices throughout the country.

    Specific contents of Herefordshire Record Office Catalogues are searchable independently using the Access to Archives Database. This is a valuable resource - whilst the original records are not available online, some of the catalogue entries may be a revelation in their own right.