This page will tell you how to go about getting a reader's ticket and that you do not need to make an appointment to use the Essex Record Office.

Appointments

There is no need to make an appointment to visit the Essex Record Office. Our Searchroom is large enough to accommodate all of our visitors. You should note, however, that when we are very busy you may have to wait to use a fiche reader.

Readers' tickets

To look at original documents you must have a reader's ticket. The Essex Record Office is part of the County Archive Research Network (CARN) and we can issue you with a CARN reader's ticket here. We also accept CARN tickets issued by other offices. To obtain a reader's ticket you must bring some proof of your identification that shows your name, address and signature. A driving licence is ideal, but a combination of documents is also acceptable, for example a passport or credit card (for name and signature) and a utility bill (for address). You will need to keep your reader's ticket with you at all times as you will be asked to show it to the staff when leaving and entering the Searchroom.