COVID-19 Update

Northumberland Archives at Woodhorn and Berwick are running a limited service until further notice. 

Although government restrictions have been lifted, we take the safety of our researchers and staff very seriously. Please bear with us and check this page for updates. 

Please be aware that we operate on two sites and there might be slight variations between the two. If you have any queries please call on: 

01289 301865 (Berwick) 
01670 624358 (Woodhorn) 

Here are some of the changes that you can expect: 

Personal safety measures 

  • Face coverings must be worn when moving around the study centres
  • Social distancing please stay at least one metre away from others
  • Hand sanitiser is available outside the searchrooms – please use before entering the room. Hand sanitiser must not be used within the searchrooms.

Please do not visit if you have any COVID symptoms 
If you feel unwell during a visit you must inform us immediately 

  • General opening: Wednesday and Thursday 
  • Two daily sessions 
    10am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4pm at Woodhorn 
    10am-12:30pm and 2pm-4:30pm at Berwick 
    Study centres will be closed in between sessions for sanitising 

Before your visit 

  • Archives Card 
    Northumberland Archives is a member of the national Archives Card scheme. 
    Please register before your visit https://archivescard.com/ 
  • Booking is essential 
    Bookings can be made online or over the phone  
    One session per week  – we have much reduced space in the study centres 
    At least a week in advance – staff are working in bubbles and so we don’t have the capacity for on-demand document productions 
  • Pre-ordering documents is essential – up to six documents per session 

Staff will call you about your booking and documents 
Documents cannot be ordered on the day of your visit 

In the archive 

  • Access to library stock (Woodhorn) 
    Browsing in the Study Centre is permitted from 29 September 
  • Lockers (Woodhorn) 
    Allocated to each user 
    Coats and bags must be stored – they are not allowed in the study centres 
  • Allocated seating 
    You will be given a seat – it will be cleaned after your visit, please don’t use any others 
    Up to three documents will be ready at your seat – please let us know if need to see some first
  • Microfilm
    From 29 September six spaces will be available to view microfilms, including many of our parish registers. 

For booking see below 

  • Computers 
    Limited study centre PCs can be booked for a session– they have to be cleaned between users 
    Welcome to bring your own – free WiFi 
  • Other equipment 
    We cannot lend you pencils, magnifying glasses, paper or other equipment – please bring your own 
  • Contactless payments only 
    We won’t be accepting cash 
    You can also pay any charges over the phone
  • Copying service – as staff need to work in Bubbles these will take a little longer to process
  • Express service – 10 days
  • Standard service – 20 days 

Other details for your visit at Woodhorn 

  • Eating 
    Café will be open on site 
    Strictly no eating in the Study Centre 
  • Parking 
    Usual charges apply 
    Let staff know at the time of booking if you need an easy access place (Woodhorn) 
  • Toilets Facilities close to Study Centre. Limited to one-in-one-out, so you may have to wait a little while 

Book your visit 

By booking your visit you confirm that you have read and understood the conditions of entry outlined above and will observe the guidance provided by Northumberland Archives. 

Northumberland Archives (Woodhorn) 

Please click here to see available appointments to view documents at Woodhorn and book your visit. Please specify the documents and include references. 

Please click here to see available appointments to view microfilm at Woodhorn and book your visit. 

Tickets will be available until 7 days before the event. 

Berwick Record Office 

Please click here to see available appointments to view documents for Berwick Record Office and book your visit.  

Please click here to see available appointments to view microfilm at Woodhorn and book your visit. 

Tickets will be made available until 7 days before the event.