Help section

What's in The Catalogue?

The Catalogue is a database of over 9.5 million record references with a summary description. A great part of the data comes from the old paper lists available from our reading rooms.

Can I see and search the text of the records?

No, The Catalogue does not contain images of the documents themselves. It is not possible to search the full text of the actual records held by The National Archives (approximately 160 kilometres of storage space).

How shall I start ?

To get started search the Research Guides first and then move on to the Search or Browse screen.

What's the Browse screen for?

The BROWSE screen allows you to use the online catalogue as a paper list, going through catalogue references as listed within their originating government departments, divisions, record series, etc.

Where can I see a list of your department codes?

A list of the most common department codes can be found here.

What's the Search screen for?

Use the SEARCH screens to search across all departments using your own keywords. Searching the catalogue is faster than browsing.

Other types of searches also available are: Topic Index, Advanced Search and Build a Query. All these screens have context sensitive help pages to guide you.

How can I order copies online?

For detailed information about document copying (including terms and conditions and estimate order form) click here.

Do I need to log in?

You do not need to login to use The Catalogue. Anonymous users have access to full data and search capability without loging in.

Registered readers may use their reader's ticket number to login and access the following additional features: bookmarks and saved searches.

Can you guarantee that I'll see all the records if I visit The National Archives?

Always check access information in The Catalogue before you visit us. We stongly recommend that you place an advanced order beforehand.

You may not be able to see a document if:

• the document is closed: under current legislation most public records are open 30 years after the date of the last document in the file.
• the document has been retained by the originating government department under Section 3.4 of the Public Records Act (1958).
• the records were lost before being transferred to us from the originating department. These records are marked as 'wanting' under the Note field.
• a record is missing (this happens very rarely). Check the Note field.
• the records are held by another institution (for example, The National Library of Wales, Imperial War Museum, Natural History Museum Archives in London). Check the held by information from the Quick Reference screen for any catalogue entry.
• a catalogue reference number in a sequence was not used.
• the records are out on loan to a government department.
• another reader is viewing the records.
• a document is too valuable or is unfit for production due to conservation reasons (you should be able to view these on microform or digital form).
• the records are stored off site and require 3 working days notice for production. Always check the Restrictions on use information for a catalogue reference before you visit us.