Genealogy Chat

Thanks for your advice everyone! I went to Kew yesterday, it was out of this world, a real jaw dropper. The people were so helpful and the time they were spending with you was never an issue and they genuinely seemed happy to help, nothing seemed a problem for them. I will definately be spending more time there! Thanks again

There is a thread about a couple of trips to Kew. They are by Phoenix.... Phoenix aka Brenda has organised 2 group visits to Kew one is 5th August and the other is 19th August. Search for the thread. Brenda is a great help and very knowledgeable. I am going on the 19th. Fi

Alan Thats an improvemnet then ,I havent been for a while as got all I needed for the mo for my research.including my grt grt grandads Army record from 1825-1839. Was made up about that. Shirley

You no longer need a £ for the locker; at least I didn't last time I went 2 months ago.

make sure you have a £1 coin for the lockers cos theres lots you can't take upstairs to the reading rooms .plus you need pencils cos pens aint allowed or any foodstuffs in cluding sweets!! allowed upstairs . they have many original docs and cant risk damage done to them. Make a list before you go of what you want to search for and allow plenty of time cos you have to order docs and wait for them to be delivered to the reading rooms, you can take photocopies so make sure you have plenty of silver coins for the copying machines. Shirley

Prepare well before you go or you'll waste a lot of time when you're there.

Am looking now Shirley, thanks for that I will probably complete the form now. Thanks again Any other advice?

It's daunting the first time you go but it gets better - slowly. I enjoy going but can get very frustrated sometimes with all the to-ing and fro-ing. Janice

Kew is great and they do have tours for new people plus there's very helpful enquiry desks on each floor with VERY knowledgeably people manning them. You will need a readers ticket which you need two passport photos for & proof of identity. Google National Archives & go to their home page which will give you all the details. Enjoy your visit. by the way they do have on the ground floor a very nice restaurant/ cafe area for meals or refreshments. Shirley have just looked at their site agian and they have altered their readers ticket requirements .seems they take your piccy now whist processing your ticket application.Do look at the site cos it gots LOTS of info for your visit

Hi I cant take it anymore I need my 3 x grandfathers service records. He was described as a Chelsea pensioner on the 1871 census. Is Kew daunting, how difficult is it to find way around etc, and the information I want do I have to order it, or can I just copy it? I have only ever been to small record offices, the largest I have been to is Essex!