Worcestershire Record Office Research Service
If you live too far from the Worcestershire Record Office to make a
personal visit, or if you simply do not have the time to spare to
consult the records yourself why not make use of our research
service? This offers you the services of a very experienced
professional researcher recommended by us, following the guidance
in the WRO Enquiry Policy.
Types of research carried out
|
Genealogical enquiries
|
This can range from a fully researched history of a family to
help with particular problems you might have encountered when
pursuing your own family history research.
|
|
House histories
|
As house histories are particularly difficult and time
consuming, a minimum of 3 to 4 hours work is usually needed.
In these cases it is helpful to send a sketch map showing the exact
location of the property concerned or mark it clearly on an OS
map
|
|
Local history
|
The records of towns, villages, parishes and places
throughout Worcestershire can be checked for those researching a
particular locality, or engaged in producing work on the county for
publication.
|
|
Transcriptions
|
If you encounter difficulties with the old style of handwriting,
documents such as wills can be transcribed. (If these include
translation from Latin documents please contact the Record Office
for advice).
|
|
Photocopying
|
Copies of particular documents or long runs of records can be
ordered through this service. The Record Office will not normally
undertake extensive copying orders and will refer them to the
Research Service.
|
|
Geophysical surveys
|
A wide range of Ordnance Survey, tithe and inclosure maps is
available for copying when a particular site is receiving detailed
investigation.
|
Worcestershire records covered
These include:
How long will it take to complete the work?
Cases are dealt with in strict rotation. A reply will usually be
received within 2-3 weeks and you will be informed if a response is
likely to take longer, for example, in the case of a particularly
busy period.
What will I receive?
You will receive a written report giving details of the sources
searched, an account of the information found and suggestions for
other avenues of research that might be helpful. Do bear in mind
that the results of a search may sometimes prove negative.
Information supplied is given in good faith and represents the
considered opinion of an experienced professional researcher.
Neither Worcestershire County Council nor the Researcher can accept
legal responsibility for any further interpretation that may be put
on the information supplied.
What will it cost me?
- From the 1st April 2010 the cost of the research
service will be charged at £20 per hour for
private clients and £37 per hour for corporate clients, with a
minimum of one hour charged.
- Photocopying is charged at 30p per sheet for A4 and 40p for A3
copies.
- Printouts from microfilm or microfiche are charged at 70p per
sheet.
- Postage is also charged as is packing when no envelope is
included.
- Proportional travelling expenses are charged extra.
Charges are reviewed annually.
Method of payment
The payment for the minimum search period of one hour must
accompany the request for research. Where copying is involved an
additional account will be rendered upon completion to collect the
copying charges. Payment may be made by cheque of postal order made
payable to 'Susan Campbell'. If you live outside the UK payment
should be made by a cheque in pounds sterling. If you wish to make
a payment in your own currency you will need to add at least the
equivalent of £5 to the sum to cover exchange costs.
Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope with your letter and,
if you live outside the UK, send three International Reply
Coupons.
How can I ask for research to be done?
Mrs Campbell operates on the recommendation of the
Worcestershire Record Office. If you are interested in using the
serivce, please get in touch with the County Hall Branch
or the History Centre, who will
give you full details of how to contact her.
