You are welcome to visit the Archives in Grimsby Town Hall to look at documents. Entry is free. Here's what we can do, and what you can do.
If you are planning to visit the Archives please contact us first on 01472 323585 before making a visit. You need to know if the documents you want are available and we need to be sure that there will be a seat for you. Entry is free. We are open to the public from Monday to Thursday (hours are at the foot of this page).
If your enquiry is complicated it is best to write or email to the Archives first rather than telephoning. If you email us please include your name and postal address.
In our Searchroom you can:
- read our catalogues and indexes
- find useful guides to topics
- decide what you want to see.
- look at documents
When you have decided what you want to see you then fill in a request slip and hand it to the searchroom assistant, who will get the documents out for you. You can look at them but you cannot borrow them to take away with you.
The staff at the Archives can give free advice and they can try to explain any difficulties in your research. However they cannot do your searches for you or offer legal advice.
There are no lounge or refreshment facilities at the Archives, nor any facilities for small children.
If you cannot get to the Searchroom in person there is a limited postal service where we can answer general enquiries about catalogues and indexes and check specific entries. However if the staff need to search original documents, you will usually be advised to employ a record agent. We can supply you with a list of record agents on request but you should be aware that they are independent of the Archives and will charge you a fee.
Free indexes of births, marriages and deaths in the whole of England and Wales, 1837-2000, are available in the Grimsby Central Library. You can contact the library on 01472-323635.
Civil registration of births, marriages and deaths began in England and Wales in 1837 (1854 in Scotland). North East Lincolnshire Archives does not hold any civil registration records, and does not supply any copy certificates. You can obtain copy certificates from the General Register Office or from the local registration services run by local authorities. You will need to pay a fee for copy certificates.
For Grimsby Registration District please contact the Register Office . Information for other Districts is listed under 'Registration’ in the ‘Phone Book or you can contact your local Council.