Where to find primary sources?

Primary sources such as maps, newspapers, photographs and census returns are available in the County Record Office or in your local library.  It is worth checking what libraries and record offices hold if you are planning a visit.

Some of these sources are also available on the Internet.  For instance, there are a number of websites that contain census information.  There is a small charge for some of these sites. (More information on what is available can be found in the Tip and Hints section or can be found at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/census).

The local Historic Environment Record in Warwickshire can be found at Warwickshire Museum Field Services, Warwickshire County Council.  A series of 1950s aerial photographs are available at the Warwickshire County Record Office, others may be available to view at the HER, but some are also available via the Internet.  There is also a national repository of aerial photographs at the National Monuments Record (NMR) in Swindon (www.english-heritage.org.uk/nmr). If a local history or archaeology group or society already exists it may already have recorded some of this information or they may have their own archives that are probably worth consulting.

More information about finding sources can be found in the Tips and Hints section.