Making an appointment
To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend that you make an appointment to visit – simply contact us (above). You must make an appointment to visit on a Saturday.
What you should bring with you
- bring some identification with you – without it you won't be allowed access to original documents. Acceptable forms of ID are ones that include your name and address and signature (eg driving licence, or a combination of pension book with utility bill, passport or bank/credit card), 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
What you can take into the search room
To prevent the theft of articles from 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
- laptop computers, although cases are not allowed
- note books and loose papers.
More information for searchers
The above is a summary of the main rules and regulations – you can also read our more detailed guidance leaflets. This includes an Introduction to using the Record Office; Search room regulations; and Security and document handling:
Make sure we have the records you need
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):
Copying
You can buy copies of documents held at the record office by completing our form:
East Sussex County Council