Since 1962 Durham County Record Office has accepted more than 7500 (7892 at 31 July 2011) deposits of records ranging from small collections of personal papers to the records of large companies. Our earliest document dates from about 1122 and our most recent include County Council Committee Reports for the current year.
These records are stored in secure, atmospherically controlled strong rooms which help ensure they survive for another thousand years and beyond.
The Record Office accepts deposits of records and welcomes information on the existence of records of local significance, especially if the survival of these records is in any way threatened. Records can either be gifted to the Record Office or else placed on long term loan. No charge is made for this service (although we do reserve the right to cover our costs if records are subsequently removed from the Record Office).
Important historical documents have been found in attics, cellars and even in dustbins and skips! We are always willing to examine records in private custody, either single items or large collections, and advise on their care and preservation.
Advice can also be given to any individual, business or organisation, on those records which should be selected for permanent preservation from among the bulk of modern papers. When considering which documents should be preserved, please remember:
- Age is not necessarily a criterion of historical value.
- Many modern records and papers are of potential historical significance.
If you would like further information on depositing records please
contact us.
