Doncaster Archives

Doncaster Archives was established in 1973, collecting and preserving documents relating to the history of Doncaster Metropolitan District.  

The Office also holds records of over 80 parishes making up the Archdeaconry of Doncaster.

This area extends to the East Riding and North Yorkshire in one direction, and to Barnsley and Rotherham in the other.  

Documents are kept in environmentally controlled strongrooms and range in date from the 1190s to the 2000s.  They make these documents publicly accessible by providing access in their reading room, so they can be accessed in a controlled environment.

These resources include records of businesses, charities, courts, churches, hospitals, schools, local authorities and local societies.  The archives come in many forms, including diaries, journals, maps and plans, newspapers, photographs and reference books.

Whether you wish to study the history of a house, conduct research for a school, college or university assignment, research your family history or discover more about local history, you will find the documents held of use.  

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to help should you have any questions or require assistance.

Information about Doncaster Archives

Collections

For details regarding their collections and their opening hours, please visit their Home Page.  From this page it is possible to discover more about Doncaster Borough Charters 1194-1836 by using the left navigation.  Ten Charters survive from 13 granted, and they document the rights presented to the Borough of Doncaster by the kings of England from Richard I to William IV.  The oldest charter is dated 22 May 1194.  

Collections held by the Office include:

• Bishop’s Transcripts
• Cemetery Transcripts
• Census Returns
• Electoral Registers
• Land Tax Records
• Newspapers
• Non-Parochial Registers
• Nonconformist Registers
• Parish Registers
• Wills

The Archive also has an online catalogue.

Location and Directions

The Archive is located at the building of the former museum in Chequer Road. It is 15 minutes walk from the bus and railway station.

Bus 58 stops on Chequer Road, with the Office being a short walk from this stop.

If you are travelling by car, a small car park is next to the Office. You have to go through the black gates to get to the car park. The car park is free, but you do have to state your registration number at Archives reception. Please note the other car park is not allocated for use by Doncaster Archives.

Booking

You are required to give them notice of your intended visit to avoid disappointment because the reading room can become very busy.  This is especially important if you are travelling a long distance.

Computers

Any laptop you want to use in Doncaster Archives must have a PAT (Portable Appliance Test) certificate to use their electricity supply.  

Photography and Photocopies

You are allowed to take photographs of documents, but a charge is made to people taking advantage of this service, and you must tell a member of staff of your intention before taking any photographs.

If you wish to take photocopies of any documents, you must fill in an application form to state that you will not use the photocopies for commercial purposes.  You are also required to state that no other person you are working or studying with has made a similar request.

Accessibility

The building is fully accessible.

Research Service

The Office offers a research service for anyone unable to visit in person.

Readers’ Tickets

Doncaster Record Office does not accept Archives Cards, so you will need to become a member of Doncaster Library and Information Service to assess the records.  

You will need to provide proof of identity, which can take the form of a driving licence or an official bill etc.

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For further information regarding other Record Offices in Yorkshire, please visit my pages relating to Barnsley Archives, Bradford Archives, Calderdale Archives, Kirklees Archives, Leeds Archives, Sheffield Archives and Wakefield Archives.