How to use the Archives

The Archives are open to researchers on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 10.00 to 17.00, by appointment only.

1. Please consult the published catalogues (see below for locations).

2. Please make a list of the documents that you require – this must include the letter at the top of the page as well as the number e.g. MD 1619.

3. Please telephone 01903 882173 Ext 235 to discuss your list and to make an appointment. Ideally this should be at least 2 weeks in advance of your proposed visit as desk space for researchers is rather limited.

For further information please e-mail: archive@arundelcastle.org

Charges
The Trustees make a charge of £25 for a whole day’s or part day's research. For long term academic, or other worthwhile research, an annual fee of £100 (for a maximum 10 visits) is available at the Archivist’s discretion. In certain circumstances e.g. if you live abroad, it may be easier for us to undertake the research on your behalf. The charge for this is £30 per hour (inc.VAT).

Reproduction
Photocopies and digital photography of archives can be undertaken at the discretion of the Librarian or/ Archivist. A signed copyright declaration and payment of a fee will be required for this service.

A guide to the Arundel Castle Archive Collections; and the 4 published Arundel Castle Catalogues edited by Dr Francis Steer, published by West Sussex County Council; are available online below -

A guide to the Archive Collections at Arundel Castle

Printed copies of the 4 published catalogues are available at the following locations:

The National Archives at Kew

The British Library

The Bodleian Library, Oxford

The University of Cambridge Library

The West Sussex Record Office, Chichester

The East Sussex Record Office, Lewes

The Norwich Record Office

The Surrey History Centre, Woking, Surrey

Sheffield Archives

Public Libraries (reference section) in Sussex:
Crawley
Brighton
Worthing (Local Studies Library)
Chichester
Littlehampton
Arundel
Horsham

You are strongly advised to telephone these libraries in advance of your visit to ensure that the catalogues are available.

Catalogue of the Library at Arundel Castle vols 1&2 by Messrs Hatchard download

Heather Warne, former Archivist at Arundel Castle, offers an enlightening introduction to life in the archives of a stately home.
Record Keeping, Spring 2005, pp 22-24 (The National Archives, 2005) download