Help with your research
We can search original historic records and reference works to help get your search underway. Find out more about our services to help with your research.
A to Z directory of archives records
Our A-Z directory is a subject-based guide to many of the main classes of documents in our care including school records, aerial photographs, wills and probate records, prison and hospital records.
Family history
As well as key sources like parish registers of baptisms, marriages and burials and census returns, Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Archives hold a wealth of records which can help you discover more about your ancestors including wills, taxation records, manorial records, court records and records of the poor.
For more information see our guides on tracing your family tree and the lists of parish registers that we hold.
The civil registration of births, marriages and deaths began in July 1837. You can search for a certificate dated after July 1837 through CAMDEX, our online index of births, marriages, civil partnerships and deaths in Cambridgeshire.
These records are held by the Cambridgeshire Registration Service and certified copies can purchased through CAMDEX. Further information can be found on Cambridgeshire Registration Service certificates and family history webpage.
House history
Tracing the history of a property is not always straightforward but most of the key sources that can help are held at Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Archives including historic Ordnance Survey maps, tithe maps, Land Value Duties maps and rate books.
For more advice, see our 'Tracing the History of a House' guides.
Maps and plans
As well as a full-range of local historic Ordnance Survey maps of varying dates and scales, we hold a large number of manuscript maps including tithe, inclosure, estate and drainage maps. Some of these are detailed in the lists below:
Historic vehicle registration records
The registration of motor vehicles was introduced in 1903 and became the responsibility of county and county borough councils. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre (now DVLA) began to take over vehicle registration in 1971, and completed the transition in 1978.
If you need help tracking down a local historic registration mark, we can search these records for you. See our research service page for details.
For details of the vehicle registration cards and registers we hold, see our summary guide to Vehicle registration records at Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Archives or click below to view our detailed catalogues:
Other help
Online catalogues and other resources
- National Archives: Many records relating to Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire can be found at The National Archives in London. Their website includes an on-line catalogue and many helpful research guides.
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ArchiveSearch This site provides access to finding aids and links to digital records for the majority of archives located in the city of Cambridge including Cambridge colleges, Cambridge University Library, Addenbrooke's Hospital and other institutions.
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Cambridgeshire Community Archives Network (CCAN): Over 30 groups from Cambridgeshire towns and villages have created a fascinating online resource of historic photographs and other items which help to tell the history of their communities.
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Genuki: A useful virtual reference library of information to assist family and local historians.
