Before you visit
You will need to register for an Archives and Records Association (ARA) Archives card to access our research room to see original documents. Please apply for one online in advance of your visit.
An ARA card is:
- free of charge
- available to all adults and children from the age of 14
- valid for five years from the date of issue
- part of a national scheme, useable at over 40 other archive services
On the day of your visit, all first-time users will be asked to provide two forms of ID. For a list of accepted ID see here
When ID has been checked, you will be given a card. You will need to take this into the research room as it stays with the slips of the documents you have pre-ordered.
Archive staff will take your photograph for the ARA Archives card system on the day.
If you are having difficulty making the application, please contact our friendly staff for help on 01452 425295 or email us at archives@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Struggling to find ID?
If you are unable to produce one or both of the required documents, there is the option of having a temporary ticket, valid only for the day you are visiting, subject to a manager's approval.