Paid Document Research Service

Find out more information on how to apply for our paid document research service.

What we offer

The London Archives offers a paid research service using the holdings available in our collections. We conduct relatively short and specific searches on documents that you have identified from our catalogue.

Every effort will be made to supply the information requested. It is the nature of research that there can be no guarantee it will produce a positive result in every case. We will, where possible, advise you of any further sources or repositories that you might try to advance your research.

What we can't do

Unfortunately, our service cannot compile family trees for individuals or undertake extensive research projects.

If a record is too fragile or access is restricted to it under data protection regulations, it will generally not be possible to carry out research on it. We can advise you further on this when you contact us.

How to use the Research Service

1. Check to see if we have the records you are interested in by contacting us via the enquiry contact form

2. If we can undertake your research request, we will send you a link to make payment through the online portal

3. Research will usually be conducted within a four-week period

Search Fees

• £86.00 the minimum fee for one hour’s work
• £129.00 for up to one and a half hours work
• £172.00 for up to two hours work
• £215.00 for up to two and a half hours work

The charge for a search will be calculated at £86.00 per hour (inclusive of VAT at 20%) and will include charges for report writing, postage and administration.

The cost of providing any documents (photocopies, certificates, prints from microfilm) that are additional to the search requirement will be an extra charge and you will be advised of this.

If the information which you have requested cannot be found within the time which you specified, we will report back to you. At that stage, if you would like us to continue the search you will be asked to advance an additional payment on the same basis as before, authorising up to a further two and a half hours’ work.

Receiving your results

A written report will be sent which will contain a listing of all the sources checked on your behalf and a transcription or copy of the information regarding your enquiry.

We look forward to hearing from you!