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The Essex Record Office

 
 
The Essex Record Office is the county’s central repository for resources about the history of the county, its people and buildings. Historically, these resources have consisted of written records, but increasingly, those records are complemented by audio and video materials. The Essex Record Office provides an invaluable resource for historians, researchers and individuals interested in family history, the history of the community in which they live, and the history of Essex as a whole.
 
The Essex Record Office is located in Wharf Road, Chelmsford, and is open to the public during the week and on Saturday. Copies of documents from the collection can be accessed at several locations across the county.
 
 
Prior appointments do not need to be made, although it is advisable to contact us ahead of a visit if you are looking for specific documents, in order to ensure that they are accessible. Find out more about visiting the Essex Record Office
 
A written description of every document held by the Essex Record Office is available online through Seax, the Essex Record Office online computerised catalogue, which makes the records accessible to a worldwide audience.
 

Visiting the Essex Record Office

Information you will require before making a visit to the Essex Record Office including opening times and a map.
 

Using the Searchroom

Information on using the Essex Record Office searchroom and making copies of documents. 
 

Using Seax

Information about the Essex Record Office online database.
 

Research

Information for anyone interested in uncovering their family’s past or the history of their home or any other building.
 

Education, Workshops and Classes

Information for schools and a guide to the annual programme of events for people of all ages at the Essex Record Office.
 

The Essex Sound and Video Archive

Information about the audio and video resources available at the Essex Record Office.
 

Our partners

Information about the organisations that work closely with the Essex Record Office to provide service.
 

Conference facilities

Holding events and conferences at the Essex Record Office building.