Archives Research Service

We offer a range of different research services to suit different needs.

If you just want one item checking, such as historical motor vehicle licensing records or a particular parish register, then the Document & Index Search will be sufficient. For lengthier searches using more than one source, you will need the General Research Service. If you need the specialised skills of an archivist to unravel manorial rolls or Medieval Bishops’ Registers, then you are advised to telephone or write to discuss your needs in advance and you will require the Specialised Research Service.

For further information please refer to the download, Guide to Research Services.

If you are unable to visit the Search Room to investigate the records yourself, staff will undertake paid searches on your behalf, searching documents according to their special areas.

If you commission the research service, staff will look for specific information from original documents and printed sources in order to supply answers to your questions. We also aim to help you to fill the gaps you have in your own research. The hourly research service can include suggestions for further work if requested.

Please bear in mind, however, that even when a document does not provide the information you require, the fee will, still be payable as the search has still been carried out. All charges include postage.

There are 3 types of research service suited to the customers’ requirements and directed to the appropriate staff. Please note that charges are likely to change on 1 April every year.

• Document & Index Search Service.
• General Research Service.
• Specialised Research Service which may involve transcriptions of old handwriting and translations from Latin.

Order forms can be found in the Downloads tab.

Documents not available for consultation

If a document that you wish to be checked is not immediately available to public inspection, we shall explain why and how to apply for access. Following the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, all documents belonging to public authorities are open unless an exemption stands. Some depositors of privately owned records may have specified a closure on some documents for a certain time period.

Document & Index Search Service.  £10.00 (maximum 40 minutes per order)

This service is a specific search within one source. Staff will summarise or transcribe the relevant information. This service includes looking for information on microfiche copies of documents as well as in originals.

General Research (hourly rate) - £25.00 per hour (maximum 1 hour per order)

Several documents or other sources will be searched within the time specified.
This service may be more appropriate when you require several sources checking, rather than using the Document & Index Search Service.

NB. It should be noted that this service does not cover genealogical enquiries.

Research (specialized hourly rate) - £35.00 per hour (maximum 2 hours per order and you may be quoted in parts of an hour)

Transcription and translation (from Latin to English).
Searches in documents that require archivists’ skills in palaeography and Latin.

NB. It should be noted that this service does not cover genealogical enquiries.

Order Forms

Research service order forms may be downloaded and printed by using the Lincolnshire Archives’ Order Forms link in the Related Pages section below. Please note that the website and e-mail is not secure for transferring card payment details. These details should be faxed or posted.

Order forms and charges are reviewed annually on 1 April and are therefore subject to change.