Cardiganshire Record Office

Cardiganshire Record Office, referred to as Ceredigion Archives, was estalished in 1974.

The Office is the Archive of the county previously called Cardiganshire (Sir Aberteifi), but now known as Ceredigion.  It is located in Aberystwyth’s Old Town Hall.

The Office collects and preserves resources relating to the history of Cardiganshire, and then makes them publicly accessible.

You can conduct research on many different subjects, such as family history, local history, old vehicle registrations and many more.

Resources held by the Archive include census returns, diaries, letters, manuscripts, maps and plans, newspapers, parish registers, reference books, wills and testaments and quarter sessions records.  

These resources will be useful whether you are studying the history of a house, tracing your family tree, researching for a school project, completing university degree work or are interested in finding out more about your local area.

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to give advice and assistance if you have any queries.

Information about Cardiganshire Record Office

Collections

For information regarding their collections, please visit their collections page, where an online catalogue is accessible.  Collections include:

• Electoral Registers
• Local Government Records
• Marine Board of Trade Maps
• Monumental Inscriptions
• Nonconformist Registers

Collections also incorporate:

• Parish Records
• Parish Registers
• Public Records
• Quarter Sessions
• Valuation Lists

Opening Hours

Their opening hours can be found by going to their visiting us page.

Booking in Advance

It is best to contact Cardiganshire Record Office before setting off to avoid disappointment, especially if travelling a long distance.  

Location and Directions

Situated in Aberystwyth’s old Town Hall, they are about ten minutes walk from the railway and bus stations. Free on-street parking is offered in Aberystwyth town centre and along the sea front, but these may not be available in the holiday season when the town becomes busier. Should you be unable to park in these locations, there are many pay and display car parks in the town.

Eating Establishments

There is a selection of eating establishments in Terrace Road, which is a stimulating walk along the prom. There are numerous cafes and restaurants in the town.

Photography and Photocopying

There is the option to photocopy documents if it will not cause damage to them, but a charge is made for this service. It is free to use a digital camera to take a photograph of any document, but this is subject to the same restrictions. You also have to fill out a copyright declaration form.

Research Service

If you are unable to visit in person, a Research Service is offered. Initial Research following an enquiry is free of charge; any possible follow ups are chargeable.

Twitter and Facebook Accounts

Ceredigion Archives has a Twitter Account at @CeredigionArch.  Information regarding Office events and collections is mentioned through this Account.

The Archive also has a Facebook page at @archifdyceredigionarchives, where they give details regarding Office events and collections.

Readers’ Tickets

Ceredigion Archives accepts the Archives Card