Genealogy Chat

I phoned Truro Records today (that's the Cornwall County Council Records Office) and I can't get an appointment for over four weeks. There is a Cornish Heritage and Archives centre at Redruth, fairly new (I havent been there yet but have had glowing reports - if they have what you want, I should go there rather than Truro because unless you get to Truro about 5.30 am you wont be able to park within a hundred miles, lol). There is a Sainsbury store next door to the Truro Records Office, but nothing else. OC

Hi, if you are going to the Truro Records Office - they are really nice there and very helpful. If you are going to be there all day, try to stop every so often to gather your thoughts and review what you have found. It can sometimes mean you need to look in a slightly different direction. Enjoy yourself Ronnie ps when I have been, there has been someone who comes in with sandwiches for sale at lunch time.

I am told that Cornwall FHS have their own premises with research material. It may be worth Googling to find out where they are based and what their opening hours are. Such places are usually wonderful (Devon FHS's Tree House in Exeter is fantastic) because they are manned by enthusiastic and usually knowledgeable volunteers. They may have family trees deposited by members, transcripts of registers, searcheable databases, all sorts of goodies.

Thanks for the tips everyone. Sorry it's taken me a while to reply -I've been really busy at work and didn't have chance to check back. Carol - I hadn't seen the website - it's really useful so thanks for that. Wish me luck! Victoria.

Hi Victoria I have just nudged a thread forward for you on some records office research tips

Hi Victoria, No doubt you've visited Cornwall Records Office website http://www(.)cornwall.gov.uk/index(.)cfm?articleid=307, which is very helpful. I'm sure you've got it all planned - they do say booking is essential and allow two weeks in advance especially in the summer. Hope you have a great, and productive time. I have ancestors from Cornwall but not likely to get down there in the foreseeable future. Regards, Carol

nudging for my own use.

I find thats it's best to take pencils (you're not allowed to use pens) and plenty of paper. some loose change will be useful if you want to make any photocopies as well. You will have to have a readers car before you can enter and they will ask for some ID with your name on it. Credit/Debit cards are fine but also drivers licence, passport, bills etc. Take as much of your research as you can with you. Most places will let to take a lap top, although it would be good to check first as there us limited space in the smaller ones. Last time I went i had to kick myself as i left some stuff at home thinking it wouldn't be useful and stumbled over some new info but i couldn't refer back to my notes!! hmmm, can't think of anything else for now. You won't be able to take any bags into the record office so keep that in mind as well. have a good time, and i hope you find what you're looking for. Rachel

Hi everyone, In a couple of weeks I am going on a family tree based trip to Cornwall and will be making my first visit to a records office. I have seen messages on here before about what you should take / prepare, but could someone refresh my memory please? I want to make best use of my time as I'm travelling a long way and probably won't go again (or at least not for a long time). Thanks, Victoria.