Genealogy Chat

OK Annielaurie, That seems very sensible advice.
Thank you.
Will take just the minimum then.

Gwyn

Try not to carry too much with you - then the searches are very quick.

Good tip about food, ...thank you.

I usually take a clear poly-pocket with my notes and 2 pencils in, so will cope OK with their requirements.

I can imagine that the searching can be tedious, but I remember going to one office and a whole section of marriages on fiche had gone 'missing'....So annoying, so can somewhat understand the Kew checks.
Thank you for your help.

Gwyn

On a practical note, I take my own food - theirs is expensive.

You can't take bags in with you either (there are lockers) but they give you a clear plastic bag to put stuff in. Pencils only - and no rubbers in the ends of them!!! Bag gets searched by what I call 'border control' when you go in and out of every section - it gets very tedious!

You'll have a great time though :-)

Thank you Janice.
That's very helpful

I will have a good browse to see just what is available that might help us.
I can well imagine that time will fly, so having a note of the reference numbers required will be very sensible.

Gwyn

PS You need to know the regiment and battalion for the military records, then you can get the reference from the catalogue and order up the war diary.

Hi Gwyn,

CARN cards can't be used at Kew - you need one of their cards (which you get there) as it's a swipe card for moving round the building.
Take a passport or photo ID and something with your address on.

Best preparation you can do beforehand is to spend ages on the catalogue getting all the reference numbers so that you don't waste time when you're there. You'll also need cash to put on your card so that you can print and photocopy.

1911 is free to look at but 20p to print an image. Photocopying is 20p per page.

Janice

Annielaurie
I've just been looking at their website.
I take it that I need a specific Kew Reader's card to be able to look at original documents?
Is that right ?
I have a C.A.R.N. card.

O.H. is hoping to find military records for 1st World War, but he only 'sprung' this idea to visit today, so I haven't decided yet. I may take a look at 1911 census, for the 'married ins and extras' who I haven't paid to view yet and just use this 1st visit to familiarise myself.

Gwyn

Have a look at their website for requirements for getting a readers ticket - id required, etc. What sort of information are you going to be looking for?

We hope to visit Kew soon and wondered whether seasoned searchers have any tips about Kew in particular.
I have visited several Record Offices in various parts of the country,so am familar with general requirements, but wondered whether Kew will be really bewildering.

I have visions of being 'like a kid in a sweet shop'

Any advice?