We don’t charge for general advice on our holdings and visiting Shropshire Archives is free.
If you would like us to search on your behalf for information within the records, then please be aware that there may be a charge. The information below summarises what we can do for you. Please follow the links for more information.
Research service
What: our expert researcher will conduct a detailed search of our records and will produce a report on the information found, including copies where appropriate.
Timescale: there is a waiting list for these searches, which is likely to be 4 weeks. We will advise on receipt of your research service request form.
Cost: £28 for an hour’s research, including copies where appropriate. Please note that you are paying for the search – there is no guarantee that it will give a positive result.
More information: to use the research service, please follow the picture link at the bottom of the page, where you will find more details and forms to download. Either return this with a cheque or request for online payment. We’ll confirm the amount and ask you to pay before sending the results of the research to you.
Short search service
What: a quick ‘look-up’ in a single source such as parish registers or trade directory. This search is for a maximum of 10 minutes.
Timescale: we aim to answer or acknowledge within 10 working days.
Cost: £5 for the search. If a photocopy/print is the best way of showing the information, this will be included for UK customers. We may need you to sign a copyright declaration. Sending copies abroad may incur an extra fee. Please note that you are paying for the search – there is no guarantee that it will give a positive result.
More information: to request a short search, please follow the link to the online payment form or download this and return with a cheque. Please note, payment is processed immediately and is non-refundable so if you aren’t sure if the short search is appropriate, please contact us first for advice.
Copies
What: if you already have a document reference number (with page if appropriate) or full details for a parish register copy (i.e. parish, full date and names of parties), then you can request a copy without the need for a search.
Timescale: we aim to answer or acknowledge within 10 working days.
Cost: this depends on the format and condition of the item but as an indication:
- printouts from parish registers, newspapers and other items on microfiche or microfilm cost £1 (per A4 sheet), £1.50 (per A3 sheet)
- photocopies from archive documents or maps cost £1 per sheet
- photocopies from printed books accessible in the Reading Room cost 20p (per A4), 40p (per A3 sheet)
- digital copies begin at £5 for a low resolution image by email or £10 for high quality A4 print or CD.
There is a handling charge per copying order (up to 5 items) which is £3 for the UK and £5 for overseas. Please find a full list of fees attached but do ask us if you need advice.
More information: please contact us with the references. We will then email/post the confirmation of costs and invoice/copyright declaration. If the reference or details you supply are not precise enough for us to locate the item to copy, then we will refer you to our short search service.
Advice surgeries
What: one-to-one sessions with our experienced researcher at Shropshire Archives who will be able to explain what you will find in different records and suggest avenues of research that you might not have considered before.
Timescale: by prior arrangement with our researcher.
Cost: £14 for half an hour.
More information: please follow the link for more information.
Research Service
Commission our researcher to look at document for you
Short search service
Quick look-ups in a single document
