Archives

Do you want to start researching your family tree - video

Southampton archives services hold a rich variety of material relating to the city and its people dating back to 1199. Whether you are researching your Southampton or merchant seamen ancestors, the history of your house or general topics such as Southampton during the Second World War, we may have sources to help.

Opening times: Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 4pm. Please note that we are unable to produce documents from the strongrooms from 12.30-1.30pm

The Archives will be moving back to the basement of the south block of the Civic Centre during December 2011 to January 2012. During the period of the move, the Reading Room will be closed.

Last open day will be Thursday 8 December 2011

The Archives will re-open Tuesday 17 January 2012

These dates are subject to change, depending on progress of the building works. In view of this, if you intend to visit in January we advise that you contact us in advance.

Please note that due to ongoing building works in the Civic Centre there will be significant changes to the way you can access some of the collections at Southampton Archives. Many of our most frequently requested sources can be seen as usual, but anything outside this category may need to be ordered up in advance of your visit. More information on changes to the service, and a list of documents is available on the website.

By Foot: You will find us on the ground floor of the South Block of the Civic Centre in the city of Southampton. The entrance to the South Block is on the Civic Centre Road side of the building, opposite the Marlands Shopping Centre. The Archives can be found just past main reception.
By Car: Follow signs to the City Centre from the M3/A33 from the north, A3024 and A33 from the west and M27/A335 from the east
Public Transport: The Archives are close to city centre bus stops. By train, we are only 5 minutes walk from Southampton Central Station.

The Southampton Records Series is an enterprise jointly funded by Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton to publish editions of Southampton documents, – find out more about the Records series and the volumes that are available at the university's website.