Coventry Archives opened in 2008 when the resources of Coventry Record Office and the local studies collection held at Central Library were brought together under one roof.

Coventry Archives houses a huge range of primary and secondary source material providing insights into the history of the city and its citizens from medieval times to the present day.

Highlights include our internationally important collection of medieval manuscripts giving an unrivalled glimpse into the administration of the city from its earliest recorded times. Our earliest record is dated 1182.

Our automotive collection contains a huge range of books and journals on the cycling and motoring industry in Coventry such as Motor, Autocar, Cycling, Bicycling News.

Whether you're researching for school or college projects, university dissertations, family history, the history of your house or just want to know more about our fascinating city, Coventry Archives is an invaluable free resource and an essential destination.

Our friendly staff will be happy to help you unlock our amazing resources. We have two rooms for consulting our resources. The Reading Room is open during opening hours without an appointment and houses our family history resources, books, pamphlets newspapers, journals and Ordnance Survey maps. The Research Room is used for consulting original archive material. An appointment is necessary for this section of the centre, so we do ask that you call or email ahead to book.

Find out more theherbert.org

Email: archives@culturecoventry.com

Call: 024 7623 7583