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  •     Can I visit without an appointment?

    An appointment is strongly encouraged. We may be able to accommodate a visitor without booking but this is not guaranteed.

  •     How do I find the document references to order my documents?

    There are Help Guides on our online catalogue pages to help you search for relevant material. You can find the links to our catalogues here. Our research guides also provide details on many popular areas of research.

  •     I forgot to order my documents, can I order on arrival?

    Up to 4 documents should be ordered when you make your booking. Further documents can be ordered during your session.

    For Saturday visits, up to 8 documents should be pre-ordered. It may not be possible to order further documents during a Saturday session. Documents should be pre-ordered preferably at the time of booking, but by noon on the preceding Thursday at the latest.

  •     This will be my first visit. Will I need to complete a registration form on arrival?

    You will be able to complete your registration as part of the online booking process. You will need to bring relevant ID to show when you come to the site. We will allocate you your Reader’s Ticket number on arrival.

  •     I am a new user. What ID will I need to bring on my first visit?

    We need to see evidence of your printed address and your signature. These can be on two different pieces of ID if necessary. Acceptable forms of ID include a drivers’ licence, utility bill, debit/credit card or bank statement. We unfortunately cannot accept passports.

  •     Will lockers be available?

    Please leave any bags, luggage or coats in the lockers or on the coat rack available in the locker room. 

  •     Will I be able to get copies of documents?

    We advise you to bring a camera and purchase a photographic licence if you would like to take copies. We can also take orders for photocopies (where the document is suitable for this) but may not always be able to provide copies during your visit. If we are not able to provide copies during your visit due to time constraints copies ordered will be sent on either to your email address, or by post with the addition of a postage fee.

  •     I only want to browse the library. Do I still need to book an appointment?

    An appointment is encouraged for any access to the searchroom, however we may be able to accommodate visitors without an appointment.

  •     Will I be able to access the computers on site?

    There are computers on site providing access to a range of resources for research, including our online catalogues and ancestry websites.

  •     How can I pay for copies and other purchases?

    We would prefer you to pay by contactless payment at the Devon Heritage Centre. However, cash payments will be accepted at all our sites.

  •     Is there a refreshment area available?

    There is a refreshment area at the Devon Heritage Centre with a self-service food and drinks machine available. The Smart Vending shop provides a selection of fresh sandwiches, confectionary, cold drinks and a variety of hot drinks. You are also welcome to eat a packed lunch in this shop.

     

     


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  •     What can I access online to reduce the need to visit?

    Most parish registers are available on subscription services (FindMyPast for Devon registers). A small range of other documents are also available via these websites. Many maps are available on Know Your Place or the Devon Historic Environment Record. Please see our Research Guides for further information.

  •     How do I deposit documents with you?

    We accept new accessions of documents at all our sites by appointment. Guidelines about the steps you need to take are available. Please follow the appropriate guidance for the site where you are making the deposit –

     

    Devon Heritage Centre

    North Devon Record Office

  •     Can I take photos?

    You can bring in a camera to take photographs of documents, as long as you purchase a photographic licence from the main reception. Charges apply for Daily, Weekly, and Annual Licences.  Please see our Charges Page for more information.

    ​Photographs of original documents must be for personal use or research.  If you wish to exhibit, reproduce or publish a photographic print or an image of a document in printed form, or publish it on a website, please inform us.  We can identify and contact the document/photograph owner, and the copyright owner for permission, or assist you to do this yourself.  If you do not inform us that you are intending to reproduce or publish an item held in our archives to which copyright applies, you will be infringing the laws of copyright.

    The use of hand-held scanners is not permitted.

  •     Do any fees or charges apply?

    It is free to visit the Devon Heritage Centre in person to look at the documents and other materials we hold, and to receive general advice about your research.

    ​There are a range of charges for copying, for the use of private cameras, for detailed research, conservation work and outreach services.  Please see our Charges Page for more information.