Paid research service

Warwickshire County Record Office offers a Paid Research Service for those enquirers unable to visit the office in person. Our experienced staff provide a comprehensive research service at Warwickshire County Record Office and have an in-depth knowledge of its holdings.

What we can do…

• We can conduct specific searches to provide information from resources and documents within our collections.
• Family History: We can undertake specific research using resources and documents within our collections, and online resources including Ancestry (World access), Find My Past, Family Search (Affiliated Library Edition), British Newspaper Archive.
• House History: We can undertake specific requests using resources and documents within our collections

What we can’t do…

• Non-specific requests for example “anything you can find”
• Extensive research projects e.g. compiling family trees and house histories. Please note that in most cases we are unable to undertake the research required to establish when a property was built.

What we need from you

In the first instance please email recordoffice@warwickshire.gov.uk giving us an overview of the research you would like us to undertake. If we think we can help through this research service, we will let you know. If not, we will suggest other options.

What happens next?

If we believe we can help, you will be sent a link via email to an online form to complete. At this stage you will be asked to specify as clearly and precisely as possible the information that you are seeking and where relevant, provide details of searches already undertaken and the evidence that has got you to this point. It is important that we have this information so we can maximise the research time.

Once we receive your completed form, you will receive an email providing a link to make your payment and where applicable upload any supporting documents.

We may get in touch if we need clarification on any aspect of your request.

How much will it cost?

The cost of this service is £60 for two hours research time which includes:

• Planning
• Research
• Report writing and response

We aim to complete Research Service requests within 10 working days

What will I receive?

We will send you a report which will confirm the records we have searched, and the information we have found. Where appropriate copies will be included.

You will receive your report and copies via WeTransfer unless you specify that you wish to receive this printed and posted. Please note the number of copies may be limited through this option.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort will be made to carry out research accurately, Warwickshire CRO cannot be held responsible for any inadvertent errors or omissions.

Refunds

Payment will not be required until it has been agreed that we can undertake your research request.  Once you have completed your form, and before making an online payment, you are particularly advised to read carefully our policy regarding refunds.

1. Refunds will be made if you do not/cannot provide sufficient information for us to carry out the research request.
2. No refunds will be made once we have started the research, even if our searches have been unsuccessful.

Freedom of Information Act and requests for information held in records unavailable for general access

If you have made a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act, or have contacted us about information which may be held in records which are unavailable for general access, we may refer you to our Paid Research Service in order for us to establish whether or not we have information which is relevant to your enquiry. If we do find relevant information, we may have to consult with a third party before we can determine whether or not the information can be released to you. We will let you know what is happening at each stage of your enquiry.