Please Note:
Currently, both the Reading and Research Rooms are accessible by appointment only, with AM (10.30am-12.30pm) and PM (1.30pm-3.30pm) slots available.
Appointments are required for both the Research Room and the Reading Room.
Book via email: archives@cvlife.co.uk
Book via telephone: 02476 237 583
Christmas Closures:
Coventry Archives will be closed from Monday 23rd December 2024 to Monday 20th January 2025; including closure of all Saturdays during this period.
Our service will re-open on Wednesday 22nd January 2025.
The Archive:
Coventry Archives houses a range of documents charting the history of Coventry.
The collection includes archives documenting the history of Coventry, highlights include the Charter of Incorporation of the City of Coventry, Coventry City Council records, Building plans, audio visual material and private accessions from individuals and organisations.
Our local studies collection consists of Coventry historic library books, pamphlets, newspapers, photographs, maps, electoral registers, and resources for researching family history.
Coventry Archives opened in 2008 when the resources of Coventry Record Office and the local studies collection held at Central Library were brought together under one roof.
Particular highlights of the collection include our internationally important collection of medieval manuscripts giving an unrivalled glimpse into the administration of the city from its earliest recorded times. Our earliest record is dated 1182.
Our automotive collection contains a huge range of books and journals on the cycling and motoring industry in Coventry such as Motor, Autocar, Cycling, Bicycling News.
Whether you're researching for school or college projects, university dissertations, family history, the history of your house or just want to know more about our fascinating city, Coventry Archives is an invaluable free resource and an essential destination.
Our friendly staff will be happy to help you unlock our amazing resources. We have two rooms for consulting our resources:
Currently both the Reading and Research Rooms are accessible by appointment only, with AM (10.30am-12.30pm) and PM (1.30pm-3.30pm) slots available. The Reading Room houses our family history resources, books, pamphlets newspapers, journals and Ordnance Survey maps. Our Research Room is used for consulting original archive material. If you are unsure which material you need to consult, please contact the archives team, detailing the nature of your enquiry and we will be happy to assist.
Remote Research:
Archive Assistants will do their utmost to assist with remote research. Please contact the team via email or telephone, and staff will be able to advise on the relevant material we hold in our collection. The team will be able to scope our collection and recommend material in the collection, often with reference numbers, for your research. This is a free service for the initial hour or work undertaken. For additional research on items in the collection, a remote research fee will apply at £20 per hour. Additional charges for image scanning, copies, reproduction, and licensing will apply.
What to Expect When Visiting:
If you have booked an appointment to view material at Coventry Archives, then please use the intercom buzzer and a staff member will be able to allow you access to the Archives.
As the Research Room is a restricted space, a staff member will request that you keep your belongings (coats, bags etc.) in an assigned locker. You are welcome to take material for note taking, such as notepads, pencils, laptops, tablets, into the Research Room.
Please note that pens, food and drinks are amongst the items prohibited in the Archives. Pencils are provided, and you are welcomed to take breaks from accessing material as needed throughout your appointment.
When accessing material, please ensure that you have clean hands, and handle all items with care. If you are unsure how to handle material or concerned about the fragility of items, please ask a staff member who will be happy to assist.
If you would like to take photographs of material, you will need to purchase a Photo Permit and complete the provided form on the day of your visit. The prices are as follows:
Non-commercial Students/Elders Permit - £10
Non-commercial Adult Permit - £15
Commercial Permit - £40
Alternatively, you can request photocopies or high-resolution scans of material. If you intend to publish or reproduce any material from Coventry Archives, an Image Licensing Form will need to be completed. Please ask a staff member for more information.
Our Charges:
DOWNLOAD OUR CHARGES FOR SERVICES HERE
Opening Times:
Our Reading and Research rooms are open by appointment only:
Wednesday - Friday*: 10.30am - 3.30pm (Reading Room & Research Room)
Alternate Saturdays: 10.30am - 3.30pm
(30 November & 14 December 2024, 11 January & 25 January, 8 & 22 February, 8 & 22 March 2025)
Morning or afternoon slots are available to book.
Free admission: fees apply for reprographics
Bookings for the production of documents must be received 48 hours in advance of an appointment.
*Please note that we are currently accessible by appointment only, Wednesday-Friday and alernate Saturdays with AM (10.30am-12.30pm) and PM (1.30pm-3.30pm) slots available. Appointments are required for both the Research Room and the Reading Room.
To arrange an appointment, please contact Archives by email at: archives@cvlife.co.uk or by telephone on
02476 237 583.
Contact Us:
By Email: archives@cvlife.co.uk
Telephone: 024 7623 7583
If you are not able to speak to someone over the telephone, then please do leave a voicemail message and a staff member will ensure to contact you back.
How to Find Us:
You can access our Reading Room and Research Room via our new entrance.
This can be found to the right of the main 'Dippy in Coventry' glass doors at the front of the building.
Search Our Collections Catalogue:
You may also wish to search our online collections catalogue which covers Coventry Archives, the Herbert and Coventry Transport Museum.
Visit Coventry Atlas to discover fascinating maps, building plans, streets of interest, pre-war drawings and photographs of places and people of Coventry, from medieval times to 2021 to uncover a city of riches.