North Yorkshire Record Office

North Yorkshire Record Office collects and preserves resources of significance to the history of the area, safeguarding them for present and future generations and making them publicly accessible to anyone who wishes to consult them. 

These archives include records of the landed estates and prominent families of North Yorkshire.

They cover the period from the 12th century to the present day and are stored on more than five miles of shelving. 

Most of these records can be consulted in their searchroom.  

Whether you want to research the history of your local community, conduct research for a school, college or university assignment, discover more about the history of a house or research your family history, you will find a document relating to the topic you are interested in.

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to help if you require assistance.

If you have any documents you would like to donate to the Archive to safeguard them for the future, they will be pleased to hear from you. Documents can either be transferred, gifted or loaned to the Archive.  They are able to collect any documents you may wish to donate, or can advise you on the best way to store them.

Information about North Yorkshire Record Office

Collections

For further information regarding their collections, please visit their Home Page and peruse their online catalogue which has information about documents and books held. Collections held by the Office include:

• Borough Records (Harrogate, Richmond, Ripon, Scarborough)
• Census Returns
• Council Records 1889-1974
• Court Records
• Electoral Registers
• Estate Records
• Family Papers, including the Dundas family archive 15th to 20th centuries
• Local History Books
• Maps and Plans
• Newspapers

Resources held by the Office also include:

• North Riding Registry of Deeds 1736-1970
• Parish Records
• Periodicals
• Photographs
• Pickering Board of Guardians’ Records 1832-2001
• Poor Law Union Records
• Quarter Sessions – 16th to 20th centuries
• School Records
• Tithe Maps

Opening Hours

Opening hours can be found by visiting their visiting the archive page.

Location and Directions

The Archive is a short distance from the railway station and town centre.  A small car park is situated at the front of the building and additional parking is available behind the establishment. 

A parking space is available for disabled visitors and those whose mobility is limited.  A pay and display car park is 5-10 minutes walk from the Archive.

Booking

It is necessary to book before visiting in order to avoid disappointment and it is also prudent to check they do not have to close between 1pm and 2pm before you visit, and that the documents you wish to consult are available.  

You should also tell the Office the date and approximate time of your proposed visit.  If you wish to visit on a Saturday, all items you wish to consult must be ordered in advance.

Computers and Wi-Fi

One computer is available for use by visitors, which includes free access to Ancestry and FindmyPast.

You are allowed to use your own laptop in the Office, but you must leave your laptop bag in a locker.

Wi-Fi internet access is also available in the building.

Photography and Photocopying

You are able to take your own photographs of certain documents, but you must purchase a photography permit to take advantage of this service.  

Some documents cannot be photographed because of copyright laws and/or because some documents are fragile and easily damaged.  You cannot take photographs of original parish registers or the North Riding Registry of Deeds.

You can obtain print-outs on A3 or A4 of records held on microfilm, and can make digital scans from microfilm to USB sticks.  A ‘book scanner’ is available to make copies of original records.  

You cannot take copies of the North Riding Registry of Deeds from 1885 onwards.  The Office makes a charge to people using these services.

The use of personal scanners is prohibited in the Office.

Accessibility

The building is fully accessible, with all public areas being on one floor.

Refreshments

A tea room is provided for the use of visitors.  Cafes and restaurants are available within 10 minutes (½ mile) walk from the Office.

North Yorkshire Record Office Shop

Many publications are available for sale, which include:

• Bedale 1772-1841
• Bilsdale Maps 1781-1857
• Bilsdale Surveys 1637-1851
• Historic Photographs
• Local History Books
• Maps
• North Riding Naval Recruits 1795-1797
• NYCRO Guides
• Reference Books
• Settle in the nineteenth century
• The York to Oswaldkirk Turnpike Trust 1768-1881

Research Service

If you are unable to visit in person, a research service is offered, where, on payment of a fee, the Office is prepared to conduct research on your behalf.  

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For details of other Record Offices relating to the county, please view my pages regarding Teesside Archives and York City Archives.