RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => Topic started by: Roobarb on Thursday 01 November 18 17:37 GMT (UK)
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When I've previously visited the National Archives there has been a rack in the locker room for storing suitcases of any size (they were chained to the rack). However, the evening before my friend and I were travelling to Kew, quite by chance she found some information on TNA's website which said that they no longer store cases over certain dimensions (see link)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/news/large-bags-and-luggage-not-permitted-inside-the-national-archives/
I measured my case wrongly (forgot about the wheels, it was late at night!) and thought it was within the height restriction. My case is actually 50 cm high, we measured the locker on our first day and found that my case would should actually fit inside the locker. After some worrying on my part about being declined access, we arrived at TNA on the second day, on which we were leaving and found that my case was allowed in and did fit inside the locker My friend had bought a new case the morning before we left because of the published details so was not amused!
To give an idea of the size, my case which fit into the locker is standard airline cabin baggage maximum size. My friend asked whether TNA have any plans to change the existing lockers but was assured they do not as the locks have just been changed to keypads instead of keys. She filled in a feedback form on which she said that the website information was incorrect so perhaps they will correct it.
The change was apparently introduced in November 2017. New visitors might become aware of this as they will probably read the information about planning your visit, but those of us who have been before would be less likely to read it. I can imagine that people who have travelled a long way and have a large suitcase with them would be less than pleased to be told that they can't enter the building with their case! (Bag checks are made on entry).
The following link gives information about places that offer luggage storage:
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/researching-here/can-take-reading-rooms/
The nearest is a convenience store next to Kew Bridge underground station, the next nearest are at Hammersmith.
I hope this information might save Rootschatters getting a nasty surprise when they arrive at TNA!
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Thank you for this information. It is very helpful.
When I last went to Kew, 5 years ago, after I had left my lodgings in the morning with a large case, a very obliging Security Guard stored it in an office while I spent the last few hours researching before starting my journey home. As you point out some people will have sizeable luggage when they have gone for a few days to London for researching. What a pity they don't consider this.
Will have to travel lighter next time!
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Pleased to help :)
My friend received an email in response to the comments on her feedback form. TNA said that they have several different locker sizes and the website uses the dimensions for the smallest, as if a user arrived to find all the larger ones in use they would be unable to secure their bag. They also referred to the bag size checker at the entrance.
I must say neither I or my friend have seen any smaller size lockers and I didn't notice a bag size checker at the entrance. Unless they were referring to the man who checked our bags on our way in! The staff at TNA are all very friendly and helpful, I hope they don't get a lot of stick from disgruntled members of the public!