Document reading rooms
We have two spaces where you can view original historical documents: the Document Reading Room, and the Map and Large Document Reading Room.
Document Reading Room
Our Document Reading Room is where you can view original historical documents of regular size. It is on our first floor.
There are several things you need to do to gain entry to the room and to receive the particular documents you wish to see. These are all explained in our step-by-step guide to researching in our reading rooms.
If you need help while you're there, you can ask at the information desk inside.
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Inside the Document Reading Room.
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Collecting material from a document locker.
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Examining papers in the Document Reading Room.
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Asking for help with a document at the information desk.
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Using the document returns desk in the Document Reading Room.
Map and Large Document Reading Room
Our Map and Large Document Reading Room is where you can view original historical documents that are large in size, such as maps and plans, unusually-shaped volumes and papers, and rolls of parchment. It is on our second floor.
To gain access and view documents there, you need to follow the same steps explained in our step-by-step guide to Researching in our reading rooms.
If you need help while you're there, you can ask at the document collection counter (at the back and on your left as you enter) or the enquiries desk (on your right as you enter).
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Looking at a map in the Map and Large Document Reading Room.
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Examining a volume in the Map and Large Document Reading Room.
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Talking to staff at the document collection counter in the Map and Large Document Reading Room.
Invigilation Room
To view some particular documents, you may need to visit our Invigilation Room. This might be, for example, because the documents are fragile, small, or contain personal data.
If any documents you have requested need to be viewed in the Invigilation Room, this will be explained to you, and staff will provide access to it.