Archives and family history

 Archives and family history

Gwynedd Archives are home to a wide range of documents, photographs, maps and newspapers.  

Search and browse the online archive catalogue

Only a percentage of our catalogues are available on-line, but you can see a list here of the collections held by the Record Office.

View list of collections held by the Record Office

 

Caernarfon Record Office

Opening hours:

Caernarfon opening hours
 DayOpening hours 
 Monday  Closed
 Tuesday  Closed
 Wednesday

9:30 - 12:30

13:30 - 17:00

 Thursday

9:30 - 12:30

13:30 - 17:00

 Friday

9:30 - 12:30

13:30 - 17:00

 

Meirionnydd Record Office

Opening hours:

Meirionnydd Opening hours
 DayOpening hours 
 Monday  9:30 - 12:30

13:30 - 17:00

 Tuesday

9:30 - 12:30
13:30 - 17:00

 Wednesday  Closed
 Thursday  Closed
 Friday  Closed

 

Online research

Whether you’re interested in local Gwynedd history or want to research your family history our online archive catalogue has over 12,000 pages and 2,000 images you can search at a click of a button.

Search the online archive catalogue

Only a percentage of our catalogues are available online, but you can see a list here of the collections held by the Record Office.  

View list of collections held by the Record Office

Help is at hand at both Record Offices if you are unable to find relevant information.

The guides below can help you with your research:

 

Visiting the Record Offices

You can copy the majority of material, the cost of copying is 30p a page. View a list of prices and the request for copies form below. We do not allow the use of cameras, camera phones or scanning equipment.


Research service

If it is impossible for you to come to the Record Office, we can offer a research service by post for a fee.  Contact us to discuss your research by either emailing archifau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or phoning Caernarfon Record Office (01286) 679 095 or Meirionnydd Record Office (01341) 424 682. 


Conservation Service

The Conservation Unit repairs documents and binds books for the Archives Service, the public and various institutions. For more information, email archifau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or phone (01286) 679 095


Depositing Documents

Many of our collections have been given or deposited by the public, businesses, institutions and societies. If you have any documents that relate to Gwynedd or the people of Gwynedd and would like for them to be safeguarded you can add them to our collections. They can be deposited on loan or as a gift.

 

Education service

The Education Officer can visit a school to present images of old photographs, maps, newspapers, and a variety of documents from the collections. Copies of original material can be prepared in response to a school’s individual request.

Schools are also welcome to visit both Record Offices and experience a tour of the buildings and collections.

To arrange a visit to the Records Office, Lloyd Georege Museum or Gwynedd Museum, Bangor contact the education service:


Maritime Wales

The Archives Service publishes Maritime Wales annually. The publication includes articles relating to the maritime history of Wales.


Policies

Our policies can be viewed here: