Preparing to Visit
Before you visit
All visitors need to register on the Archives and Records Association (ARA) Archives card system.
If you do not already have an Archives Card, please apply for one online in advance of your visit. This replaces the discontinued County Archives Research Network (CARN) reader’s card.
All first-time users of an ARA Archives Card will need to bring two forms of ID to validate their application.
By registering using the ARA Archives Card system, we'll be able to log your visit, in case of contact tracing. See our privacy notice for more information.
Making an appointment
Our opening times are Tuesday-Friday 9.00am-4.30pm.
Click here to pre-order documents and make an appointment.
Select items of interest by clicking the star symbol on the right hand side of each catalogue entry. These items will then appear in the 'saved records' tab at the top of the screen. To make an appointment, open the 'saved records' tab and select 'Book a visit' in the 'Actions' box.
You may also contact us about certain records using the same method. Not all records selected will be orderable. This may be because you have chosen a whole collection or series references or possibly closed material. See the help section for further guidance.
We need 3 working days notice to process your order.
During the booking process you will be advised of our research room rules and our Covid arrangements. Each booking will be confirmed by email. Please wait for this confirmation before making your visit.
If you wish to order extra documents during your visit, up to 3 items, there are two live runs each day at 10am and 2pm.
If you feel unwell on the day of your visit, please call us on 01452 425295 to rearrange your appointment.
We will keep all our arrangements under review in accordance with the latest Government guidance so please check the website before visiting next time.
Donations and Deposits
If you'd like to make a donation or deposit, please get in touch with the Collections Management team at archives@gloucestershire.gov.uk or 01452 425294 to arrange an appointment.