Access to State Papers

State Papers are an invaluable resource for VCH research. These include various Calendared works produced by the Public Record Office.

Calendar of Charter Rolls, 6 vols

Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem [26 vols covering 1236-1447]

Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Henry VII, 3 vols

Calendar of Miscellaneous Inquisitions [8 vols, covering 1219-1485]

Calendar of Patent Rolls

Calendar of Fine Rolls

Indexed volumes to all of these can  be found in some local record offices or local studies libraries, as well as in university library collections.

 

Lancaster University Library

Lancaster University Library has indexed volumes to all the major State Papers. A complete set can be found in the Legal History collection (34MU5), and some duplicate volumes also exist in the main history collection (MU5). The Library catalogue (One Search) is available here.

The library building is accessible without a Library card and these volumes are on open shelving as reference works. Weekend visits are advised (parking on campus is also free at weekends!). Photocopying services are available, using a prepaid plastic card. 

 

Newcastle University

VCH researchers can also access government publications at Newcastle University Library. Volunteers need to contact the library first to make an appointment. Photocopying services (by prepaid plastic card, as Lancaster) are available.

Contact details: Angela Horn, Liaison Assistant (Arts & Humanities), Robinson Library, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HQ. Tel: (0191) 222 5246 Email: angela.horn@ncl.ac.uk.

 

Web Links

Many of these sources are also now available on the web and can be searched by place name: