Making a Research Request

If you cannot visit the Record Office in person, our professional researcher can undertake genealogical and historical research on your behalf.

Original records, microform and printed sources available in the Cheshire Record Office can all be searched. Sources include parish, diocesan, census, estate and business records as well as newspapers and electoral registers.

How to apply

• Please use our Photocopying and Research Service online application form.
• Payment in advance of £20 is required and you can pay online using the online application form.
• If you require more than one hour's research, then you can specify the maximum amount you would be willing to pay in the space provided on the form, up to a limit of £100 for five hours' research. You will be asked to pay any outstanding balance when the work has been completed
• Specify the object of the search as clearly as possible, eg:
  • "To find the marriage of John Thompson and Ann Byron at Bunbury, 1730 - 1745"
  • "Information on the building and occupancy of Lower Hall Farm at Eccleston in the 17th and 18th centuries"
  We cannot undertake projects of a broad or general nature, eg: "The economic growth of Macclesfield in the 18th century".

When requesting work on the history of a building, please supply a grid reference, copy of a map and photograph if possible.

What happens next?

• We will acknowledge your application within 10 working days and inform you of the current waiting time. We aim to answer all enquiries within six weeks of receipt, but occasionally the volume of work may result in delays.
• We will make every effort to supply the information requested, but clearly cannot guarantee a positive outcome. Even a fairly lengthy search may produce a negative result.
• We reserve the right either to refuse to undertake a search, or to limit the time that may be spent on it. Payments will be returned if a search is not feasible.
• Where a search is completed in a shorter time than has been paid for, the outstanding amount can either be held in credit against future work, or refunded.

Your report

Your report will give full details of the sources checked and information found. Advice will be given on the existence and whereabouts of other relevant sources where appropriate.

Copies

We may supply copies of relevant documents with the report, depending on the size, format, condition or any access or copyright restrictions. The cost may be taken out of the search fee and the search time reduced accordingly.

Copies can also be ordered separately. (see our list of charges).

How to pay

You can pay online using the online application form. Advance payment of £20 is required, and you will be asked to pay any outstanding balance when the work has been completed.  The total cost will not exceed the maximum limit you have specified and you will only be charged for the number of hours spent on your enquiry

Charges for research (including VAT)
£20 per hour
Minimum charge £20 (1 hour)
Maximum charge £100 (5 hours)

New Research Consultation Service

Have you come to a dead end with your family history research in Cheshire? Then why not try our new consultation service?

We can offer expert guidance on how to plan your research in our new one-to-one sessions at the Cheshire Record Office.

When? Every Wednesday, subject to availability

How much? £10 for half an hour

Where? In the searchroom at the Cheshire Record Office

Book in advance for each half-hour session by phone on 01244 972574 or at the reception desk in the searchroom.

If you would like to know more, please e-mail the Record Office at recordoffice@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk