Research

 

Visitors have free access to the library and its resources.  If you are unable to get to the library, we offer a fee-based research service.

Paid Research Service

Our highly experienced staff have access to a wide range of records and resources. Research assistants will undertake genealogical research for £17.50 per hour. You will receive a written report and copies of relevant documents. Our previous clients have included the BBC, legal and government institutions and private clients from as far afield as New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.

If you would like the Priaulx Library to carry out research on your behalf, we have a form to download here. Alternatively, you can contact the library through other means to obtain a research request form or to discuss your requirements.

Payment is by credit card, debit card, or sterling cheque. We will ask for credit card details at the commencement of research, but you will not be charged until the work is complete.

Doing your own research

If you are able to visit the library in person, all resources are free to use and you can spend as long as you like on the premises during opening hours. Whatever your research project, it is a good idea to come as fully prepared as possible. The staff have compiled a short help guide to local research to help you on your way:

How do I research my family history?

Starting out:
Talk to your family, friends and neighbours, especially the oldest members with the longest memories. Collect together old family documents, e.g. letters, certificates, diaries, and photographs.

Search & Research:
Now you are ready to start. Visit the Priaulx Library and explore our local and family history collections in more depth. Microfilm readers can be booked in advance and staff members are available to assist researchers.

How do I research the history of my house?

Books and records to look at:
The Priaulx Library has a comprehensive collection of books and maps that may help you to find out more about the house you live in:

•  The Guernsey House, by John McCormack
•  The Guernsey Farmhouse, published by The Guernsey Society
•  Buildings in the Town and Parish of St. Peter Port, by C.E.B. Brett
•  1841-1901 census records
•  1787 Duke of Richmond map
•  1843 St. Peter Port map
•  Livre de Perchage
•  Photographs and drawings
•  Street directories

 

Other places to visit:

•  Cadastre, for land records after 1912
•  Greffe, for land records before 1912

 

Case Study – Old Court House, St. Peter Port

 

How do I research Guernsey history?

The variety of the resources in the Priaulx Library surprises most visitors. However, since publishing in the field of local studies is often expensive and difficult, one cannot guarantee that there will be a book on the subject of your research.

Here are a few ideas for finding out more:

Check for a book first – you never know! You can search our online catalogue here.

Ask the staff, or ask library regulars if they know of any experts in the field of your research. Sometimes talking and speculating can help.

Look for articles, files and press cuttings in the Priaulx Library in-house lists.

Try other island institutions – e.g. Island Archives, La Société Guernesiaise, Guernsey Museum, and others.