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ISLE OF WIGHT RECORD OFFICE

Records held include the following

CHURCH RECORDS
Extensive collection of parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials (from 1539 onwards), as well as administrative records such as churchwardens accounts and vestry minutes. The records of some nonconformist churches are also available.

ESTATE RECORDS
Consisting of title deeds, account books, surveys, maps, court rolls. The estates covered include those of OGLANDER (around Brading & Sandown), SEELY (which covered much of west and central Wight), HEYTESBURY (also West Wight), WARD (in Northwood & Freshwater, and BARRINGTON-SIMEON (chiefly in Brighstone & Calbourne).

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECORDS
The Office keeps records generated by the work both of the Isle of Wight Council and the various administrative bodies which preceded it, such as Newport Borough records (16-20th century), records of the Workhouse (18-20th century) and registers (1920s-1970s).

MAPS
Notably 1:2500 Ordinance survey maps 1862 - 1971; tithe maps 1838 - 1845

NEWSPAPERS
County Press Nov. 1884 - Dec. 1906 (microfilm) Weekly Post June 1976 - March 1986 (microfilm)

CENSUS RETURNS
1841 1851 1861 1871 1881 & 1891 (microfilm) Indexes are available for 1851 and 1881

SCHOOL RECORDS
Notably log books and admission registers of some, not all, schools c.1860 - 1950s

PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHS
of villages and towns of the Island

USING THE RECORDS

TICKETS
Readers' Tickets are required in order to gain access to the records and these are issued on arrival at the Office. There are two types of ticket available.
(i)Day tickets for one-off visits
(ii)C.A.R.N.(County Archive Research Network) tickets which are valid for four years and can be used in other record offices, proof of identification (e.g. driving licence) is required for these.

FINDING AIDS
There are various indexes and catalogues to help you to decide which records to examine. The most extensive finding-aid is the Names Index which records all entries in baptism, marriage and burial registers from 1539 - 1900, as well as including references to many miscellaneous items. There is also a small library of reference books about both the Island and historical sources. Detailed guidance on using the Office's facilities will be provided by members of staff.

MICROFILM/MICROFICHE
Available on microfilm/fiche are the parish registers, census returns, the County Press, and I.G.I.(International Genealogical Index). Members of the public intending to consult this material are strongly advised to book a microfilm reader in advance.

SEARCH SERVICE
The Record Office will undertake research on behalf of those unable to visit the Office in person. A fee of 15 UKP is charged for a one hour search and a maximum of three 1 hour sessions will be undertaken. Full details of the Office's search service and charges are available on request. A list of research agents who will carry out more extensive research can also be supplied.

DONATIONS AND DEPOSITS
We are always pleased to accept records of historical interest either as donations or deposits.

PHOTOCOPIES
Photocopies can be made subject to the documents' physical condition and copyright regulations. The charges are 20p for A4 and 25p for A3 (if copies are taken from the printer then the charge is 25p for A4 and 30p for A3). There is a minimum charge of 1 UKP for copies ordered by post. Order forms are available on request.

FINDING THE RECORD OFFICE
Hillside is situated between Fairlee Road and the Quay. There are bus services between Newport and the ferry terminals of Ryde, Cowes and Yarmouth and the Record Office is within 10 minutes walking distance from the bus station. Parking space at the Office is limited but there are several car parks in the town centre.

OPENING TIMES
Monday 9.30 - 5.00 pm
Tuesday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00 pm
Evening opening 5.00 - 7.00 pm
(on the first Wednesday of each month by appointment only).