Frequently Asked Questions about the Archives Catalogue
Who can use the Conwy Archive Serivce?
The Archive is open to anyone.
I've found an entry on the online catalogue and now would like to see the item? What is the procedure?
Archive documents can only be accessed on site at the Conwy Archive. For more information about our opening hours, access arrangements and details of our services and facilities, please see our website via the link below:
Archives
In order to view original documents we require visitors to have CARN (County Archive Research Network) Readers' tickets. If you do not have one you can be issued with one on arrival. Please bring identification showing your name, address and signature. For more information please follow the link below:
CARN
Do I need to make an appointment to visit the Archive?
You are always welcome during our opening hours and will not be turned away, however if you wish to use a public access PC or microfiche/microfilm reader it is advisable to check availability in advance.
Why can't I see images of the documents in the catalogue?
Due to resource constraints digitisation has been of low priority, therefore only some records are available to view as thumbnail images. We are endeavouring to add more as and when possible.
How can I order reproductions of the original material?
Please contact us to see whether or not your request is feasible. If it is we will provide you with a price quote and an Order and Copyright Declaration Form, which we will ask you to send back to us together with your payment. The fee will cover the type of copy format requested, the amount you wish copied, staff time and postage. We will only proceed with your request once the completed form and payment have arrived. Please follow the link below for our current rates:
Fees
Please note that in some instances there are copyright restrictions in place and certain documents are too fragile to copy. For further information please contact us.
Why can't I find what I'm looking for?
Searching the database will only find the exact words used in the catalogue and will not bring up related terms. If you have been unsuccessful with your initial search you will have to manually input alternative spellings. For example many Welsh place names have over the years been spelt differently, such as Conway or Conwy.
If you have exhausted these options please contact the Archive directly, as there may be other collections not yet available online.
Furthermore as Conwy was formed from the historic counties of Caernarfonshire and Denbighshire, the Gwynedd Archives Service and Denbighshire Record Office might have what you are looking for. Additionally the Bangor University Archive holds a number of important archive collections. Finally The National Library of Wales and The National Archives hold records deemed to be of national importance, some of which may be relevant to the Conwy County Borough area (Please see our Useful Links page).