Using the searchroom

Searchroom information

The King's Lynn Borough Archives is open to the public again for bookings and walk in visits. Paper catalogues, IT resources and reference books are all available.

The sessions run Tuesday to Friday from 12.30 - 4.30pm. We are also open on the first Saturday of the month from 10am - 2pm.

Please do not take up your booking if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19. Contact the Norfolk Record Office to inform us that you will not be coming. Staff will ask anyone showing signs of infection to leave immediately.

Making a booking

Search our online catalogue to identify which documents you wish to see and make a note of their reference numbers.

Please make sure that the records have "King's Lynn Borough Archives" as their repository rather than "Norfolk Record Office".

The catalogue includes set searches for popular searches (such as maps, parish registers and wills).

See our online help pages for guidance on using the catalogue. You can find further advice in the 'Using NROCAT' videos on the NRO's YouTube channel - how to.

Our online research guides suggest documents useful for many topics, such as tracing your family history or the history of your house.

Our Guide to holdings gives an overview of the collections we hold.

Whilst most documents are available to consult, there are restrictions on using documents marked 'Unfit for production' or 'fragile'. These will not be produced into the searchroom.

You can order a maximum of 2 documents in advance of your arrival. Please give at least 24 hours' notice for a booking. Additional documents can be ordered during your session.

You can book a place by emailing norfrec@norfolk.gov.uk. In your email please state:

1. The date you would like to visit
2. The references of up to two documents you would like to see

We will send a confirmation email when a place is booked.

You will also need to register for an Archives Card before your visit. Visit the Archives Card website to register. (opens new window) You will be asked to enter your details and upload a photograph. When you visit the Borough Archives, you will then need to bring two of the forms of ID listed on the website. Cards will be issued onsite.

Your visit

Please head to the Stories of Lynn Museum entrance, tell the attendant you are there to visit the archives and they will let you through. We are located at the back of the building past the first exhibition space. There are lockers for your bags.

Searchers are encouraged to wear a face covering at all times while inside the building. On entering, please sanitise your hands, but ensure that your hands are dry before handling any documents.

If you already have an Archives Card, please show it to the archivist on duty. If you do not, they will search for the details you have entered online.

You will be directed to a desk and can order and collect records from the archivist on duty. Once you have finished with a document, please return it. If there are more documents waiting for you, staff will issue them.

Facilities

Public toilets are available near to the reading room in the museum space.