Discover historical archives in
your area of interest.

A rich and vast body of original archives, from medieval charters to modern street photos, have survived to document Suffolk’s history, and can be accessed by the general public. The main repositories where these archives are stored and can be viewed are summarised below:

Suffolk Archives (SA)

Suffolk Archives collects, preserves, and shares key resources for researching the rich and diverse history of the county. Thousands of archives and local studies materials are available for everyone to start on their journeys of discovery. Visit Suffolk Archives at:

Bury St Edmunds Branch – https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/get-started/plan-your-visit/suffolk-archivesbranches/bury-st-edmunds-branch/

The Hold in Ipswich – https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/get-started/plan-your-visit/suffolk-archivesbranches/ipswich-branch/

Lowestoft Branch – https://www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/get-started/plan-your-visit/suffolk-archivesbranches/lowestoft-branch/

Search our website – www.suffolkarchives.co.uk to view catalogues, exhibitions, learning resources and guides or to book to attend a range of events and activities.
or
email – archives@suffolk.gov.uk to find out more or for help with your research. (With over 11 miles of archives and local studies collections there are more catalogues and descriptions still to go online.)

The National Archives (TNA)

Documents on Suffolk’s history may be found in other collections around the country including those of The National Archives. The National Archives’ online catalogue – Discovery – contains details not only of the records within The National Archives but in more than 2,500 archives across the UK. Go to:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

The Manorial Documents Register home page within Discovery is the key place to find information on Suffolk’s manorial records:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/manor-search

Archives Hub

The Archives Hub includes catalogue descriptions of Suffolk material held by higher education archives, special collections, business, museum and gallery archives etc., see:
Home – Archives Hub https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk