Constantly growing, the Archives’ vast collections include maps, books, census returns, newspapers, records from local schools, churches, clubs, societies and businesses, electoral registers, and indexes to births, deaths and marriages. There are also over 30,000 photographs, plus films, sound recordings, memorabilia and much more.

A city landmark, this Grade II* listed building was built in the mid-18th century as a home for the wealthy Molineux family, before becoming a hotel in the 1870s. Having fallen into disrepair after closing in 1979, the building has since been fully restored, with the impressive wood panelled Oak Room and ornate Rococo Room giving a glimpse into the former life of the building.

To comply with Government guidance and to use the archives you will need to book an appointment. These are for an allocated time of 2.5 hours and bookable for a maximum of two people.

Before you visit
• You will need to email [email protected] and provide details of all the material you wish to look at during your visit. Archives staff will retrieve the material and left at the your allocated space in the searchroom*.
• You will need to ensure that you have an Archives Card. For people without an Archives Card, you can register online. You will need to send us a picture for your ID so that the archives staff can issue you a card on arrival. This can be emailed when you provide details of the material you request.
*Please note that some of the material you request may not be available on the day you visit, as it might have been put in quarantine. You will be advised of any such changes on your arrival.

Checks on arrival
• The front door will be set to stay open, to minimise touch on the door.
• You will be asked to use hand sanitiser on entry and remove any gloves.
• A face covering must be worn
• You will be asked health screening questions.
• You will be advised where your allocated space is.

There will be no access to microfilm readers (these resources can be accessed via a subsidised research service) and no public access to maps or local studies material. Any material (including maps and local studies books) that a visitor would like to look at will need to be ordered in advance and staff will retrieve (cleaning any shelves or cabinets touched) and can quarantine afterwards. No further material will be retrieved during your visit. Only bottled water is allowed in the searchroom (unless food is needed for medical reasons).