Archive Service
Derry Records dating back to 17th Century now online
The Archive and Genealogical Service is based within the Heritage and Museum Service of Derry City Council, which has responsibility for the preservation of the civic records of the Council and its predecessor, the Londonderry Corporation.
The archive and genealogical collection constitutes an extremely valuable source of information both for the history of the City and the Council. The collections provide a comprehensive record of significant socio-economic and political development within the City from the latter half of the seventeenth century to the present day.
The extensive archive collection consists of minute books, letter-books and correspondence, legal documents, architectural drawings and plans and a limited photographic collection.
The Heritage and Museum Service also acquire and preserve private collections. This material ranges from entire business archives, literary collections, military items, railway and maritime collections and political documents.
In 2010 Derry City Council formally adopted the ‘Framework for the Development of the Archive Service 2010-2013’, as a commitment to the further development of the service.
Historic records of Londonderry Corporation dating back more than 300 years are now available to the public online.
A partnership project between The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) and the Derry City Council Heritage and Museums Service has made these expansive volumes accessible via the internet.
The twenty-three original volumes - dating from 1673-1901 - of Londonderry Corporation minute books reside in two locations: at PRONI in Belfast, and with the Derry City Council Archive, in Derry. The new online resource now enables anyone with an internet connection to access any of these volumes, at any location. The project has produced digital images of the collection in its entirety.
The volumes record discussions on a vast array of subjects pertaining to local government of the City, taken during Corporation meetings held in the Council Chamber. Find out more about key events such as the Plantation of the City, the Royal Charter of King James I, the City’s Industrial Linen Heritage, its thriving Port and much more on how the foundations of a modern city where laid down…
To access the online Londonderry Corporation minute book collection click on following website:
The website includes an introduction to the collection, historical images of Derry, highlights from each volume and links to browse-able PDF documents which contain the digitised images.
Contact
Bernadette Walsh
Archivist
Derry City Council
Heritage & Museum Service
Foyle Valley Railway Museum
Foyle Road
Derry BT48 6SQ
Tel: 028 7136 5151, extension 8250
Email: bernadette.walsh@derrycity.gov.uk
Additional information
Download
Research Application Form
Rules for Readers Form
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm
Public access to the archive collection is presently by appointment only. Members of the public should note that whilst collections are in the process of being listed, they will be unavailable for consultation.