Enquiries & Research

Record searching service

We can make detailed searches of our catalogues and indexes, and undertake specific searches in the records themselves, on receipt of the appropriate fee.
Normally the Record Office undertakes long searches by breaking them down into one hour at a time. This allows the customer to control the progress and cost of research.
Please note that this service applies only to material held in Berkshire Record Office. For searches in records held elsewhere, the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) can provide a list of professional record agents. The list costs £2.50 for inland enquirers or 6 International Reply Coupons from abroad and can be obtained from AGRA's secretaries, Mr and Mrs D. Young, 29 Badgers Close, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 5RU; or you can access the list freely at www.agra.org.uk.

Commissioning a search

In order that we may use effectively the time you are paying for, please make your requirements as specific as possible. We recommend that you state exactly what information you are seeking, and give us any relevant details you have already.
Please do not send any money in the first instance. Instead, please write to us or email us, stating exactly what information you are seeking, and giving us briefly any relevant details you have already. This will enable us to assess:

• whether we have the resources to help you
• how long the enquiry might take
• how much it would cost.

We will then report back to you.

If you then wish to proceed, please send payment:

• in advance
• by cheque made payable to Reading Borough Council
• by credit or debit card by calling 0118 901 5132
• by international money order or cheque in pounds sterling, drawn on a bank with a UK branch.

Fees are charged for staff time at £9.50 per half hour or part thereof.

General

Searches will be carried out either until the time paid for has been used, or until the information requested has been found.
Only the most specific of searches (e.g. one entry in a parish register) can be completed in 30 minutes.