Frequently Asked Questions

Family History

"I am new to Family History; where do I start?"
Why not buy our Family History Pack for Beginners. For further details please see our List of Publications.

Or have a look at the Weblinks to Family History sites.

"How can I obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate?
Stoke on Trent City Archives holds indexes to the General Register Office for 1837-1960 and Staffordshire Record Office for 1837-1880. However, the Archive Service does not hold the certificates themselves, so copy certificates have to be purchased from the local register office or the General Register Office at Southport.

"Where can I find details of Staffordshire parish registers?"
Most registers are held on deposit at Staffordshire Record Office with microfiche copies for pre 1925 registers held at Lichfield Record Office and for North Staffordshire parishes at Stoke on Trent City Archives.

Please use our Online catalogue for detailed information or download our free Guide to Sources No. 1, Parish Registers and Bishops' Transcripts. For further details please see our List of Publications.

"I am unable to visit your office. Do you offer a research service?"
We are always happy to provide information concerning the nature and extent of the archives in our care free of charge. If the information you require cannot be obtained by checking our indexes and catalogues but requires a search you can request a search. Links to the specific search services offered by each of our offices are given on our Services for Remote Users page. From there you can download an order form, which should be completed and returned to us by post.

Local History

"I want to trace the history of my house; where do I start?"
Why not buy our History of House Pack, Dwelling in the Past. For further details please see our List of Publications. Staff at all of our offices will be happy to help with any specific questions you might have.

"Where can I find electoral registers?"
The Archive Service holds historic electoral registers. Please see Family History Leaflet No.12. For further details please see our List of Publications. Current electoral registers will either be held at your local library or your District Council offices

If you have further questions which you would like answers to please email tim.groom@staffordshire.gov.uk

Last Modified: 03/10/2006 13:08:53
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