HEREFORD RECORD OFFICE

 

Hereford Record Office is housed in Harold Street; it is signposted and is just a few minutes from the centre of Hereford.  Access to the original documents requires a CARN card (County Archive Research Network), which the staff will provide on presentation of proof of identity and address. Note that a CARN card issued here or at Worcester Record Office can be used at both sites.

 

Hereford Record Office holds both diocesan and local history records for Herefordshire.  Please note that Hereford Cathedral has its own extensive archive of holdings relating specifically to the Dean and Chapter and its own history.  At this date, (May 2006), I am not aware of an on-line catalogue.   Microfiche, film, photocopying and printing facilities are available.  Laptops are accommodated but a circuit breaker must be used so speak to a member of staff on arrival.  Cameras are also allowed and there is a daily charge for photography.

 

Although the office is not large, advance booking is not generally required although it might be advisable if you’re travelling a distance.  The staff are very helpful and friendly, ready to offer advice and guidance.   In addition, there always seem to be a number of well-informed local historians working in this office ready to offer assistance and share their knowledge. 

 

FACILITIES

 

Free and readily accessible lockers and toilets are available on the ground floor.  There is a lift for disabled visitors.

 

Refreshments: the reception lobby area has a coin-operated hot drink vending machine, (it doesn’t give change, so you need the correct money!) and drinking water.  This is a seating area where you can eat sandwiches etc.  Outside, there is also a small, grassed area with a bench which visitors can use.  As the centre of Hereford is only a few minutes away, there is convenient access to sandwich and coffee shops and restaurants.  The cathedral is also near by; it is well worth visiting and has its own coffee shop.

 

Parking: the record office has its own small, but usually adequate, free car park.

 

Contacts:

 

Herefordshire Archive Service (Hereford Record Office)

 

Website:          www.herefordshire.gov.uk

Email:              archives@herefordshire.gov.uk

Tel:                 (+44) 01432 260750

 

Hereford Cathedral Archive:

 

Website: www.herefordcathedral.org                                                   

 

Opening Hours - Herefordshire Archive Service (Hereford Record Office):

 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday,       9.15.am – 4.45pm

Wednesday                                           10.00am – 4.45pm

Saturday, (2nd in month)                         9.15am-1.00pm

 

Nearest Railway Station

 

Station Approach, Hereford.  The website suggests that the Archives are approximately 20 minutes walk from the station and gives clear directions on the route to take.  It also gives directions from the bus station. 

 

Sylvia Gill

 

The focus of Sylvia’s PhD research is the chantry clergy of  Gloucester,  Hereford, Shropshire, Warwick and Worcester who were directly affected by  Edward VI’s dissolution of endowed services under the Chantries Act of 1547.   Sylvia is interested in investigating the strategies and consequences of change management at the state level and for the individual. Her supervisor for this work is Dr Alec Ryrie.