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1st visit to Kew

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K

K Report 10 Oct 2009 16:19

I'm making my first visit to Kew next week and am looking for some tips.

From their Web site I know I will need to get a reader card and the ID required.

I've been looking at the catalogue on-line and have noted the reference numbers of some info I want to look at.

I know I can no longer pre-order my requests as I don't yet have a reader card.

Question is once I have my card how do I order what I am looking for and how long usually does it take them to find the info.

Some of the stuff I am after says I can vew the original - are these the files I would have to order? Can I then copy them?

Other stuff says it's on Microform in the reading room. Is this like fiche machines? again can I copy them?

Also hoping to look at 1911 census and have a list at the ready of people to look for.

Any tips about how best to use the very limited time I will have there is much appreciated.

Katie

was plain ann now annielaurie

was plain ann now annielaurie Report 10 Oct 2009 16:33

When you have your card you order your documents on the computer and they generally take 30-45 mins to arrive. You can order 3 at a time. If you've got lots of original documents to look at , you need to order the next 3 as soon as the previous 3 have arrived in your locker. You can use a digital camera to copy them and there are also copiers to use - 20 p a sheet. Some originals are too large or heavy to go on the copier so in that case you would have to order copies which can take a week or so to be done.

If not original documents records are on either microfilm or microfiche and you can copy from these too.

You can view the 1911 on any of their computers and can print anything off - again 20p a sheet.

K

K Report 10 Oct 2009 16:46

Thanks very much for this info.

Will make planning my visit a lot easier.

Thanks again

Katie

maggiewinchester

maggiewinchester Report 11 Oct 2009 00:46

If you live near a Record office, may be an idea to get a reader card from them before you go to Kew. I'm sure that's what I used when I went to Kew (a few years back) - this may save valuable time!

Researching:
Henry Floyd (g x 4 grandad) Allegedly the heaviest man in England in 1842

K

K Report 11 Oct 2009 09:57

Thanks for this info

Read on their web-site and other threads re pencils, will be raiding daughters pencil case before I go.

I live in Scotland so will have to wait until I get to Kew to get readers card

Katie