Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book to visit Powys Archives?
Yes, booking is essential. We have a small searchroom and therefore we can only accommodate a small number of people at one time. See our opening hours and contact details.
I am not able to visit in person, can you undertake research on my behalf?
Yes, see details of our Research Service. You will need to complete an online form or print a form from our website and send by post.
Can you supply details of your holdings of records?
Details of the records we hold can be viewed in Our Records. These pages contain links to pdf files of our catalogues. See also the links to Additional Sources.
How can I deposit or donate records to Powys Archives?
Staff welcome the opportunity to discuss new accessions for Powys Archives. See here for details.
How do I order copies of documents?
We have to limit the amount of copying we undertake due to pressures on staff time, but we will aim to meet your requirements. See details of our copying service and charges.
What parish registers do you hold?
See our Local Studies Notes which list our holdings of parish registers for the counties of Breconshire, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire.
Can you supply me with a copy of a birth, marriage or death certificate?
No, certificates can be obtained from Powys Registration Service or the General Register Office.
Can I bring my laptop computer or digital camera?
Please ask staff about these when you book. Photography permits now have to be purchased before any documents are photographed in our searchroom. Futher details can be seen here. There may be restrictions on using laptop computers depending on how many people are booked into the searchroom. There may also be restrictions, such as copyright, on digitally photographing certain documents. See our Searchroom Guidelines for more information when visiting Powys Archives.
What geograhical area does Powys Archives cover?
Powys Archives collects records relating to the modern county of Powys and the former counties of Breconshire, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire. There are a few parishes around the county borders which often cause confusion! For instance Brynmawr in the parish of Llanelli was once part of Breconshire but became part of Gwent in 1974. Please contact Powys Archives for more details about border parishes and we will help you locate records which may be held with Powys Archives or with other archive services. More information about other archive services in Wales can be viewed here.
