Remote copy services

In almost all circumstances it is possible to order some kind of copy without visiting us. There are a few ways in which the service is restricted. The first is that for preservation reasons only some types of copy may be possible. We will let you know when this is the case. The second is that you will need a archive catalogue reference for the item you require. Staff will be happy to assist you with this but if it becomes necessary to perform extensive index research or to read through documents looking for certain entries, your order may also attract research fees in addition to copying charges. The third is that copyright law applies to most of our records. This means that we can only supply copies for your personal, private study use and you will be asked to sign a Copyright declaration to this effect. The fourth is that for modern records which contain information about living individuals, certain data protection restrictions will apply. Staff will be happy to advise you about this.

I'd like to order copies of probate records

The Origins website hosts our probate indexes as follows:

  • Prerogative and Exchequer Court
  • Peculiar probate courts
  • Medieval probate records to 1500

You can order copies of probate records through the Origins site.

Additional probate indexes will be added to the Origins site but in the meantime please contact us directly if you want to order a probate record from the period 1501-1730. If you already have all the details, name, place, date of probate and, ideally, volume and folio number, you will just be charged for the copy. If you do not have these details, but you do have a year of death,  you can request a short search of our indexes. If we find a record you will just be charged the copy price. If we do not find a record you will be charged a search fee of £2.50 per name. If you are looking for probate records but do not have a year of death we may still be able to help you through our research service.

If you would like to order copies of probate records from us directly, please use our on-line copy request form.

Getting a quote for document copying

If you would like a quote for copying please let us know. We have an on-line copy request form you can use to contact us. When you ask for your quote remember to tell us the following:

  • Description of the copying you want with archive reference and page or folio references where applicable.
  • What format of copying you would prefer: digital images (greyscale or colour) or paper copies. We prefer, where possible to supply digital images. Some kinds of documents can only be copied in certain ways – we will let you know if this is the case.
  • Your full postal address – so we can calculate delivery charges.
  • Please note, this form is designed to be used when you know documents exist. If you do not know that we have documents that can help you, please send us a general email enquiry first.

A price list for copying services is available to assist you.