Welcome to Cumbria Archives

Cumbria Archives is a service provided by Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. We care for and make available historic records of Cumbria, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Our Archive Centres

Visitor information, opening hours, contact details, holdings, locations.

Cumbria Archive Centres

Browse our collections

Map of Cumbria made from historical records

Discover more about our collections by category, links into our catalogues and useful family history and research indexes.

Catalogues and Guides

News and Events

Carlisle service changes

Whitehaven Friday opening

All News and Events

Copying Services

Copy ordering, searches and charges

Enquiry and Digitisation Services

Deposit records with us

Donate or deposit records of historic importance to our safe custody.

Deposit records with Cumbria Archives

Paying for Research

Browse our list of private researchers who will undertake work on your behalf in our Archive Centres.

Private Researchers

Your Family, Your House

Wedding party outside a property in Seascale

Researching the history of your family or your house are two of the most popular and important reasons people use our collections. Find out more using our guides below:

Family History

Property History

Gallery and Education

Our exhibition gallery links to fully-illustrated documents in the custody of Cumbria Archives which capture aspects of the county's history, customs and culture. Learn more about the services we can provide for schools and students.

Learning and Education

About Us

Photo of Kendal Record Office strongroom in 1963

Find out more about Cumbria Archives, including:

Our history
Our services
Volunteering for us
Talks and exhibitions
The Curwen and Kirby Archives Trusts grant schemes
Our policies

About Cumbria Archives

Banner illustration: Part of foundation charters of Robert de Vaux to Lanercost Priory, c.1170, Lanercost Cartulary (c.1250), DZ/1, Carlisle Archive Centre. Cumbria Archives