Visiting East Sussex Record Office

Before you visit the Record Office

Some advice about visiting East Sussex Record Office:

• bring some identification with you – without it you won't be allowed access to original documents. Acceptable forms of ID include a driving licence, utilities bill and pension book, or a CARN (County Archive Research Network) reader's ticket
• please bring a pencil – you are not allowed to use pens in the Record Office
• laptops are allowed but you must tell us in advance if you wish to bring one
• please read our 'Search Room regulations'
• donations are always gratefully received – they go towards purchasing more documents for the archive.

Further information is available in our advice sheet 'Introductory notes for searchers'.

Security at East Sussex Record Office

To prevent the theft of articles form the search room, all coats, jackets and bags must be left in the lockers provided. Only the following items are permitted in the search room:

• clear folders, which are available from reception
• readers' tickets
• lap top computers, although cases are not allowed
• note books and loose papers.

Further details are contained in our advice sheet 'Security and document handling'.

Booking an appointment and requesting records and photocopies

• Please book an appointment if you want to visit on a Saturday. On other days we strongly recommend that you book an appointment to avoid disappointment. To make an appointment call East Sussex Record Office.
• Some records are held elsewhere or may not be immediately accessible for other reasons. To ensure that you can see the documents you need, complete the following form to let us know in advance (usually at least a week): Form – records viewing request.
• Photocopying is allowed but it is subject to charges and restrictions. To request copies of documents please use our form – record office photocopies and CDs order.
• For help with finding the records you need, read our pages about collections held at East Sussex Record Office.

Location and opening hours

East Sussex Record Office is at:

The Maltings
Castle Precincts
Lewes BN7 1YT

Location map for the Record Office

Opening hours

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8.45am to 4.45pm
• Wednesday 9.30am to 4.45pm
• Friday 8.45am to 4.15pm
• Saturdays – open on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.45pm

It usually takes five to 10 minutes to retrieve documents that are stored at The Maltings, although retrieval times may be longer when the search room is busy. Small delays may also occur during staff breaks (around 10am and 3pm).

The search room is open through the lunch hour (except Saturdays) but documents cannot be retrieved between 12.30pm and 2pm. Retrieval of documents also stops 45 minutes before closing time.

Every year the Record Office closes over the last two weeks of January for stock-taking.

Disabled access and parking

Disabled parking is available (places should be reserved in advance) and there is a disabled users ramp to the entrance hall. Although the search room is on the first floor, every effort will be made to ensure that as full a service is available as possible for those who cannot manage the stairs. Please tell us about any special requirements when you book your appointment.

General car parking is available in Lewes. The town is also served by buses and trains.