Research collections

Staff are available to assist you in person during Explore The Past opening times and via contact us. We are very keen to encourage new visitors, so stop off at Level 2. 

Our collections include:

  • Maps and plans, including historic Ordnance Survey, tithe and inclosure plans and estate plans. Many are available in digital formats for map comparison purposes
  • The Historic Environment Record – a searchable database with digital mapping of all known archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscapes in the county supported by paper and digital sources 
  • Sources for researching life stories, social history and your local area for example Census returns, International Genealogical Index, General Register Office Index of Births, Marriages and Deaths, Local newspapers, Wills and other probate records
  • Photographs, including Worcestershire Photographic Survey and an Aerial photographic collection, most of which are now available digitally
  • Records of local families, groups, societies and businesses, including the archive of the Earls of Coventry of Croome
  • Quarter Sessions and County and District Council records including The Worcester City Archive   
  • Records of the Diocese of Worcester as well as Church of England parishes and Non-conformist records
  • Local studies and archaeology library, including journals, trade and clerical directories
  • We also have available our Special Collections