East Sussex Record Office - 22nd April

[Fosbeck]

Hello Chris,

I am planning a visit to Lewes records office when time permits!  Bit of a trek from Berkshire so I need to maximise my visit....

Is the records office very busy and is there really 'waiting list' to use some of the resources i.e. census returns on film?

I bumped into one the chaps from Lewes on Friday whilst I was in Brighton's local history centre and he advised that all I needed to do was book my micro fiche/film reader.  Can they book the micro fiche/film reader for the whole day?  It would seem hardly worth a visit if I am unable to book the whole day.

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Fosbeck

Yes, the record Office gets very busy, and it is essential to book.

I arrived there a couple of weeks ago to find no seats available, so after more than 1 hour waiting for a possible seat, I left and went and did other things.

Yes, you can book mico fiche / film reader, computer terminal for your laptop or just a seat at the research tables.

I usually book for all day, but only use the paper records and type them in my computer - so not sure about use of the film / fiche readers.
You could ring and book one for the morning session, then ring a bit later and book one for afternoon session if its not possible to book all day - but dont leave it till the last minute to book.

Hope that helps

Chris in 1066Land

[Fosbeck]

Chris,

Thanks for the 'tips' on the records office at Lewes.  I find it very strange that the research area is much smaller that Brighton's History centre!  I will say, that Brighton is brilliant if you are concentrating on Brighton & Hove.  However, I need to look further and not all records for Brighton are in the Brighton History Centre.  Sally the mgr at Brighton is trying to get more local records into her centre but sadly this takes time and volunteers.

Once again, thank you for your info.

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Jenny

You asked me this some time ago (back in April actually) :-

Hello Chris ..

Yes it's me again! We'd really appreciate a lookup on my husband's line this time.

My husband's 3xgreat grandfather was Henry Lennard, born 1805 in Bexhill. He married Sarah Ann before 1832, and I have a record of the family in Bexhill in the 1841 census showing Sarah Ann was born around 1807 in Henfield.

I would love to know Sarah Ann's surname if you have time to look for the marriage!

Thank you ... yet again!!

Very best wishes
Jennie

Managed to get to the ESRO today and did that lookup

Baptism:

August 11th 1805, St Peters Church, Bexhill - Henry, son of John and Mary Leonard - Born July 18th 1805

Chris in 1066Land