Local historians will often find a great deal in their county record office, local studies library or sometimes with local history societies. Nevertheless, The National Archives holds some records that will be invaluable for anyone researching the past of a community.

Beginners' guides

• Step-by-step guide: starting local history research
• In-depth guide to researching local history at The National Archives
• Index of research guides to help you search our Catalogue
• Palaeography: reading old handwriting
• Maps: historical British and world maps