Dudley Archives and Local Studies Service

Dudley Archives and Local History Service collects and preserves records relating to the history of Dudley Borough.  These resources date from the twelfth century and include business records, local authority correspondence, maps, minutes and school records.  

These records help to give an understanding of the past and how it shaped the present.

Whatever the reason for your visit, whether you wish to research the history of a house, conduct research for a school, college or university assignment, study your family history or are interested in local history, you will the documents held of use.  

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to help should you have any questions or require assistance.

Contact Information for Dudley Archives

Collections

For information regarding their collections, please visit their Home Page, their Guide to Sources held and peruse their online catalogue.  Records held by the Office include:

• Books
• Business Records
• Census Returns
• General Register Office (GRO) indexes
• Dudley Estate Archive: Papers of the Earls of Dudley
• Dudley Metropolitan Borough Historical Records, including Council Minutes
• International Genealogical Index (IGI)
• Journals and Magazines
• Local Authorities Records
• Maps and plans
• Newspapers
• Nonconformist Records
• Organisational Records

Resources held by the Archive also include:

• Parish records
• Photographs
• Poor Law
• Newspapers
• Nonconformist Records
• Photographs
• Printed sources
• School Records
• Title Deeds
• Trade Directories

The Dudley Estate Archive: Papers of the Earls of Dudley contains 9000 dpocuments, 2000 maps and plans and 350 volumes.  The earliest document in the collection, a papal bull granting churches and land to the Prior of Dudley, dates from 1182.

Location and Directions

Free parking is available at the Archive.

Booking

You are not required to make an appointment to visit the office, but if you wish to use a computer or table, you are advised to book in advance, especially if you are travelling a long distance.  Documents can also be requested in advance, but the Office requires two working days notice to ensure the documents will be available when you arrive.

For a fee, the Office is also prepared to arrange tours of the Archive for up to 25 people.  You are also able to book the Abbey Room or Castle Room, which can be used for meetings or workshops.

Photography

You can use a camera in the Archive, but a charge is made to people taking advantage of this service.  Not all documents can be photographed because some are fragile and easily damaged.

Computers and Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available throughout the Office.

Accessibility

The building is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Shop

Books about the history of the area are sold in the Archive, along with conservation products you can use to preserve your own photographs and papers.

Refreshments

Vending machines are available in the foyer, where you are also welcome to eat your own food.

Research Service

If you are unable to visit the Archive, they offer a Research Service, for which a fee is charged.

Other Information

A newsletter, titled 'Dudley Archives Journal', is published by the Office on a bi-annual basis, containing information regarding the archive and local history collections.

Readers' Tickets

The Office is a member of the CARN (County Archive Research Network).

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For further details of Record Offices in Staffordshire, please view my pages regarding Staffordshire Record Office, Sandwell Community History and Archive Service, Stoke on Trent City Archives and Walsall Local History Centre.