Jersey Archive

The long-term preservation and security of the records in our care is our highest priority. Since the Public Records (Jersey) Law was passed in 2002 the Jersey Archive has been the official repository for all archival records produced by public institutions.

Jersey Archive also accepts records from businesses, clubs, societies and individuals. These can be donated or deposited on long term long loan whereby ownership remains with the depositor. Our Acquisitions Policy is available to view.

Once catalogued, documents are carefully packed in acid free materials and stored in the correct environmental conditions. We also we offer advice on conservation of records and preserving your own documents and memorabilia.

Many individuals and associations now produce and store important documents in a digital format. It is vital that we preserve these documents as archives of the future. Please read our guidelines on the preservation of digital material and contact us if you have any queries.

As well as collecting and preserving records the Archive is committed to making archives available to all members of the local and worldwide community.

Records that are stored at Jersey Archive are catalogued by our professional staff and made available via the Online Catalogue. This catalogue allows you to search through the archives by entering a name, place or subject that is relevant to your research.

Individuals who are able to visit the Jersey Archive in person will find that there is always a member of staff available to assist with your enquiries. If you are unable to visit us in person we will gladly answer any written, e-mail or telephone enquiries about the records in our care.

Staff at the Jersey Archive can also assist with legal enquiries and property research for the construction professional. We also offer talks and tours and education services.

Our Archive regulations and freedom of information guidance are available for you to study before you visit.

Jersey Archive, as the official repository for the Island documentary heritage, can offer guidance, information and documents that relate to all aspects of the Island’s History. Our information leaflets give details of the documents and collections that researchers and family historians might find particularly useful:

• Family History
• House History
• Contracts
• Island Maps
• Criminal Records for Family Historians
• Military Records for Family Historians
• Preservation and Conservation at Jersey Archive
• Preservation and Storage of Documents
• Preservation of Digital Records
• German Occupation
• Bankruptcy Records
• Royal Court Records
• Historic Buildings Research Leaflet

Those with French ancestors might find the following leaflet and websites useful:

• Researching Your French Ancestors
• Archives Départementales de la Manche
• Archives Départementales d’Ille et Vilaine
• Archives départmentales des Côtes d’Armor

Staff at the Archive can carry our research on your behalf. Work on detailed enquiries will be charged at £30 per hour with a maximum of 5 hours research at any one time.

We undertake to answer all initial enquiries within two weeks, however follow up research or photocopying enquiries may take longer to complete. If you have an enquiry please e-mail us at archives@jerseyheritage.org

We also provide a copying service for documents that have not been digitised. Ordering photocopies will incur a minimum charge of £5.  To order photocopies of any documents that you might find on the catalogue please complete our copyright declaration form.  Please ensure that the form includes your signature, full details of the documents you require copies of and your postal or email address.

The Jersey Archive is responsible for the care of and provision of access to original documents from the Probate Division, Royal Court, Public Registry, Family Division and Magistrates Court. The Archive has built up a good working relationship with many legal firms since these documents were transferred to the Archive by the Judicial Greffe in 2001.

The Archive currently undertakes to produce photocopies of cases from original records for legal firms and also offers firms the opportunity to send researchers to the Archive to view original material.

If you would like to order photocopies of legal cases please complete our copyright declaration form including details of the court, volume and page number required. Our table of fees gives details of prices.