Pembrokeshire Record Office, known as Pembrokeshire Archives and Local Studies, was established in the 1960s, their aims being to collect and preserve documents relating to the history of Pembrokeshire to safeguard them for present and future generations.
The Archive also hopes to raise people’s awareness of their cultural identity by helping them to learn more about the history of the county.
Pembrokeshire Archives moved to a purpose built facility at Prendergast, Haverfordwest in March 2013, which includes a digitisation suite and conservation studio.
These records and documents date from 1272 to the present day, so whatever your research interest, you will find a document held of use whether you are researching the history of a house, studying your family history, interested in local history or conducting research for a school, college or university assignment.
The helpful and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help should you have any queries or require assistance.
If you have documents you would like to donate to the Archive so they can be preserved for future and present generations and made available to the public, the Office would love to hear from you.
Information about Pembrokeshire Record Office
Pembrokeshire Archives and Local Studies
Prendergast
Haverfordwest
SA61 2PE
Telephone Number:
01437 775456
Email:
record.office@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Collections
For information regarding their opening hours and collections, please visit their Home Page and their about the archive page. They also have an online catalogue.
Collections held by the Archive include:
- Census Returns
- Deeds
- Hospital Records
- Letters
- Local History Books
- Maps
- Nonconformist Registers 18th – 20th centuries
- Parish Records(incorporating vestry minutes, churchwardens’ accounts, overseers papers and rate books
- Parish Registers – 16th – 20th centuries
- Petty Sessions
- Photographs
- Quarter Sessions
- Wills
Location and Directions
A small car park is accessible for visitors and this is operated on a permit system. The car park has two designated spaces for blue badge holders. It is necessary to sign the register before you can be issued with a visitor’s permit to place in your car.
Booking
You do not need to make an appointment to visit, but you can pre-book a microfilm/fiche viewer or computer if you wish, and you may also pre-order documents by using their reference number from the online catalogue.
Accessibility
The building is fully accessible, with disabled access to all areas. Height adjustable desks are available in the searchroom. A disabled toilet is also available.
A portable induction loop is in place in the Office.
Photography and Photocopying
You may use a digital camera, but a charge is made for using this service. Taking photographs of some documents is prohibited because they are fragile and taking photographs could damage them.
You are able to take photocopies of certain documents, but restrictions are in place because of copyright law and that some documents are fragile and easily damaged. Some documents are too big to be photocopied.
Computers
Using a laptop is permitted, but there is a limited number of power points available for use by visitors, so you should make sure your laptop battery is fully charged.
Refreshments
Some restaurants and cafes are located within 10 minutes (½ mile) walk of the Office.
Research Service
A research service is offered for anyone unable to visit in person, where staff can help you with any enquiry you may have relating to Pembrokeshire.
Readers’ Tickets
A reader’s ticket is required to view original documents at Pembrokeshire Record Office. To obtain as card, you have to bring two pieces of identification with you and fill in the “Reader’s Registration Form”.
One piece of ID should contain your signature such as a passport, driving licence, bank card or credit card.
One piece of ID should include your address such as a driving licence with address, utility bill(issued in the last three months), council tax bill, bank/building society statement(issued within the last three months), credit card statement(issued within the last three months), HM Revenue and Customs statement or a national ID card with address.
You do not need a reader’s ticket if you want to access reference books, microfilm or online sources.
Pembrokeshire Archives accepts the Archives Card.