Southampton archives
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.
Visit the reading room for details on what we hold and how to view it.
If you are looking to make a payment or donation
If you are paying for a service
Make sure you have your reference number to hand. If you do not have one yet, please contact the City Archives team (below). You will also have an option to make a donation if you wish.
If you are looking to make a donation only
You will not need a reference number, just indicate that this is a donation and enter the amount you wish to donate.
Before you make a payment
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself a couple of minutes to fill in the form.
You will need to have to hand:
Payment card (registered with 3D secure)
Your reference number – if you are paying for a service
The Archives are open by appointment only. For more details or to make an appointment please contact us.
Contact details
Email: city.archives@southampton.gov.uk
Telephone: 023 8083 2251 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only)
Getting here
Address: Southampton Archives, Civic Centre, Civic Centre Road, Southampton, SO14 7LY
- By foot: Enter through the main entrance of the Civic Centre, car park side and archives are signposted internally
- 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. The postcode is SO14 7LY
- Public transport: The archive services is inside the Civic Centre and close to the main bus stops
- By train: We are only five minutes walk from Southampton Central Station, follow signs to the city centre
Key documents
