Research Service
"Not being local to Manchester, it has given me the opportunity to find information without the hassle of travelling up and staying in hotels. Therefore it's cost effective for me to choose this option. Excellent service - keep up the good work!"
Our research service
We can undertake most types of research, including family history, local history, or the history of a business, house or building. Research requests need to be as specific as possible. For example, we can't help with a request about 'the Wilson family of Manchester ' or 'the economic growth of Manchester ', but we can help if you ask for information on John Wilson, born c.1855 in Ardwick, or ask for information about a particular Manchester company. Please note we will not search newspapers.
What sort of research will we undertake?
We can undertake most types of research, including family history, local history, or the history of a business, house or building. Research requests need to be as specific as possible. For example, we can't help with a request about 'the Wilson family of Manchester ' or 'the economic growth of Manchester ', but we can help if you ask for information on John Wilson, born c.1855 in Ardwick, or ask for information about a particular Manchester company. Please note we will not search newspapers.
What does it cost?
The charge is £30 per hour or part thereof (minimum 1 hour), including VAT. The maximum research we can undertake is 3 hours. Payment is required in advance.
What does it include?
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An experienced staff member to undertake your research.
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Up to four A4 or two A3 photocopies (where appropriate) for personal use.
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Postage of your research report.
It does not include:
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Extra photocopies or other Reprographic Service charges.
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Reproduction Fees for use of images or quotes in publications, the Internet or broadcasts.
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Scans or digital images.
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Extra postage and packing.
Single searches
You can search school records, industrial school records, private cemetery records, workhouse records, and prison records on findmypast.
We can also undertake one search (up to 15 minutes) of a specific source we hold for a charge of £10. Where possible this will include a photocopy or print of the entry. This includes searches of:
- General Register Office indexes of births, marriages and deaths.
- Church records*
- Directories
- Electoral registers
- Probate records
- Court records
- Vehicle licensing records
- Maps
*Please note we can make prints from our microfilms of church registers and Manchester Cathedral registers for a fee of £2.50 if you know the specific church and precise date.
What if we don't find anything?
We will make every effort to find some information for you, but archives do not always survive for certain topics. You will still be charged for the time even if no information has been found.
How to make a research request
You can order and pay on-line using this secure form.
Please note we will not search newspapers.
