Independent researchers

Choose an area of research from the drop-down list below and select the ‘Find researchers’ button. This will provide a list of researchers who have told us that they would be available to work on that subject at The National Archives. The list will not be in alphabetical order.

The independent researchers are not employees of The National Archives, but work in a private capacity, here and in other record repositories and libraries.

How to find a researcher

== Choose a Research Area ==————————————————————————————ApprenticeshipArmy – genealogy and biographyArmy – operational recordsCabinet OfficeCensusCoastguardCompanies and businessesCriminals and transportationCustoms and ExciseForeign, Colonial and Dominions OfficeGeneral genealogyGeneral researchHome OfficeHouse HistoryImmigration, emigration, denization and naturalisationIntelligence and security servicesLegal records from 1730Legal records up to 1730Local history up to 1700Local history from 1700Maps including Tithe and Valuation OfficeMedieval recordsMetropolitan Police (London)Prisoners of war, internees and War Crimes recordsRailways and canalsRegistered designs and trade marksRegistrar General of Shipping and Seaman, Mercantile Marine recordsRoyal Air Force – genealogy, biography and operational recordsRoyal Irish ConstabularyRoyal Navy and Royal Marines – genealogy and biographyRoyal Navy and Royal Marines – operational recordsState PapersTranscription and translation of records in LatinTreasuryTwentieth Century UK historyWills, probate and death duties

Any arrangements made are a private matter between you and the researcher. We do not accept any responsibility.

We cannot arbitrate on any disagreements between enquirers and researchers.

Fees and how to contact independent researchers

The fees charged by researchers vary greatly. You will have to come to an agreement with the researcher you hire. Some researchers will charge for preliminary research work before accepting a commission.

If you decide to contact an independent researcher please remember to provide your full postal address, telephone number and email address.

Apply to become an independent researcher

Many users of The National Archives are unable to visit our building to carry out their research in person. The Independent Researchers List was created to provide them with contact details of experienced researchers who can carry out research on their behalf.

If you would like to be included in the list of independent researchers, please download and complete this application form (PDF, 67 KB) and return it as an email attachment to independentresearchers@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Or by post to:

Independent Researchers
Collections Expertise and Engagement
The National Archives
Kew, Richmond
Surrey TW9 4DU

Applications are invited from researchers with proven experience of researching in The National Archives, and of providing reports to clients. You should provide examples of research carried out in the areas where you would like to be included, and testimonials from two independent sources who are willing to attest to the quality and accuracy of your research and reporting.

When we have received your completed application, you may be required to attend an interview.