New online tool to help search archives at Woking history centre
From the comfort of home, users can locate and order up items from the vaults prior to their visit.
More than 900 years of Surrey's history is now easier to access, thanks to an innovative new online search tool.
The archives at Surrey History Centre, in Woking, hold about six million of the county's documents, manuscripts and parchment records, some dating back to the Middle Ages.
But how these are navigated has been brought into the 21st century, with a recently introduced collections management system which allows users at home to locate items and order them up from the vaults prior to their visit.
Julian Pooley, public services and engagement manager, said the technological development "streamlines the whole process" and is "a wonderful investment in the future care of our heritage".
Courtesy of Surrey County Council (SCC), this improved online catalogue includes family and house history records, such as parish and electoral registers, census returns and civil registration, regimental and manorial records.
The centre, which holds official Accredited Archive Service status awarded by The National Archives, also houses thousands of historic photographs, postcards, watercolours, engravings and archive films.
Alongside those are local history books, directories, newspapers, periodicals and historic maps.
Among its treasured special collections are records and papers connected to notable local figures and businesses, including author Lewis Carroll, renowned garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and the Broadwood piano family.
Councillor Mark Nuti, SCC Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, called it "investing in the future to gain access to the past".
"Our archives tell the story of Surrey and the people who have lived, worked and shaped our county over hundreds of years," he said.
"By investing in modern technology, we are helping to ensure these invaluable records can continue to be discovered, explored and enjoyed by future generations."
Nuti added that the new system "will help people plan their research more effectively and make the most of their time" at the centre.
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