Visiting Us
The Record Office is currently closed to researchers whilst we prepare our collections for relocation to new sites in Chester and Crewe. For further details please see our project page.
We are now in the final stages of preparation for the physical move. During this period, our collections are no longer accessible, which means we are unable to provide copying or research services. We are now only able to respond to the most urgent official enquiries, such as requests from council officers supporting council business, the police, and urgent baptism certificate requests.
We expect the collections to become available again in early autumn, at which time we will resume normal services.
Our online records are still available and it is possible to carry out research into many popular subjects. Our guides have lots of useful links to records that are available online.
Many of our records are available to search and view on the subscription websites Find My Past and Ancestry. This can be accessed with a subscription or for free in libraries in Cheshire. Our popular database indexes are still available to search for Overleigh Cemetery, First World War servicemen, railway staff registers, Cheshire military records and many more.
As well as the records we make available online, did you know?….
Questions and answers
Q: I have an urgent business need to access a record. Can I still visit the Record Office?
A: If you need to access a record urgently for a business need please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note we may need up to a week’s notice to arrange access.
Q: Can I still order copies of documents?
A: No. Our copying service is now suspended until we re-open in Autumn 2026.
Q: Can you carry out research on my behalf?
A: No. Our research service is now suspended until we re-open in Autumn 2026.
Q: I urgently need a copy of my baptism certificate. Can I still order a copy?
A: Yes. Please contact us giving details of the date, church, names and parent’s names. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Q: I am responsible for records deposited with you and need some items returned temporarily. Is this possible?
A: No. Please contact us when we re-open agin in Autumn 2026.
Q: I have some records I would like to deposit. Is this possible?
A: We are no longer accepting new deposits of records until the service is up and running in our new homes in 2026. We are still able to make arrangements for records at risk of being lost – so please contact us.