Before you set off to the Berkshire Record Office, please contact us to:

• Check that we have what you need for your research.

• Book a seat. To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to book in advance before set off to visit us, particularly to use computers or original documents, including maps. Please see our Planning a Visit page to find out how to book.

• Order up to six documents in advance of your visit. Please use our online catalogue in order to find the references of documents you wish to look at.

• Let us know of any special needs.
  
  

Please also see our Contact Us page for details of other times we might be closed.

Please also remember to bring with you: 

• A pencil and paper, or laptop, to take notes.

• A camera if you wish to take photographs. Please see our Copying Services page for more details.

• Any notes that you will need for your research.

• Please bring a face-covering as we will suggest that you wear one if you are unable to maintain a 2m distance from others whilst you are in the BRO. 

Archives Card

We require visitors looking at original documents to register for an Archives Card which is a national scheme allowing visitors to use one card to visit all participating archive services.

Registration needs to be done in advance of your visit which is then completed when you arrive.

Full details on how to sign up and what ID is required, can be found on the Archives Card website.

If you are unable to apply for an Archives Card, you will need to bring some form of ID with address and/or signature with you on your visit to be issued a Day Pass in order look at original documents. This will only be valid for the day of your visit.

Your Archives Card or Day Pass will be kept on the shelf holding the records you intend to look at for the duration of your visit, so please remember to take it into the searchroom with you.

CARN tickets - we will continue to accept CARN tickets that are in date, but not all record offices are doing so. Therefore it is advisable to replace an old CARN ticket with an Archives Card when you can.

An Archives Card or Day Pass are not required for looking at library material, microfilm/microfiche or the computers, but please be prepared to apply for one should you need to look at original records at any point on your visit.

If you, or anyone at home, has COVID-19 coronavirus symptoms or is self-isolating,  please do not visit us.