Archives and Local Studies

The Archives and Local Studies Service collects, cares for, and provides access to an enormous variety of original archive material and published works on all subjects connected with the history of the Rotherham area and the York and Lancaster Regiment. Most items are available for researchers to use in our public searchroom but some are stored off-site and must be ordered in advance.

Many of our collections are donations from organisations, businesses and most importantly people like you. We are always happy to receive Rotherham related material from a business ledger to fanuly photographs and everything in between.

Archive Collections

We hold original records dating from 1290 to the present day which cover the history of the entire borough of Rotherham.

Our archive collections include the records of Council and government, education, hospitals and workhouse, business, groups and societies, trust and charities, Parish Councils, Non-Conformists, title deeds, individuals and families, landed estates, manorial records, and the York and Lancaster Regiment.

Local Studies Material

We have an extensive range of material available to those conducting research into local places, buildings, industries and people.

These include locally published books and those written by local authors, as well as maps and plans, parish magazines, journals and newsletters, electoral registers, trade directories, local newspapers, reports, ephemera and photographs.

Family History Resources

In addition to our archives and local studies materials, we have many guidebooks on the subject of genealogy.

We also have subscriptions to family history website Find my Past, which is available to use on the public computers in our searchroom. Other resources include census returns, cemetery records and monumental inscriptions, National Burial Index, International Genealogical Index and family history society newsletters.

Search room

The Archives and Local Studies search room is currently closed. We are still operating a distance enquiry and paid research services. Get in touch to see how we can help, email us at archives@rotherham.gov.uk or call 01709 336632.