Search the Site
A visit to Angus Archives is a unique experience. The archives are located in a lovely rural setting, adjacent to the 12th century ruined Restenneth Priory.
Angus Archives contains a vast storehouse of fascinating information, from burgh minute books, pirate attacks, death warrants, house plans, letters, Edwardian diaries, Georgian recipes, Victorian valentines, wills, property records, photographs from all over Angus, trade records of weavers, shoemakers and tailors, letters from soldiers and sailors and so much more.
In addition the archives hold an extensive local history book collection, a large Angus wide photographic collection and major genealogical sources such as the International Genealogical Index (IGI), the census and the Old Parish Registers (OPR's) of all Angus parishes, Valuation Roll collection and a variety of databases.
At Angus Archives you will be able to:
Examination of all resources in the search room is free but charges do apply for photocopying, photographic reproductions and the commissioned research service.
Contact Angus Archives at:
Angus Archives,
Hunter Library,
Restenneth Priory,
By Forfar DD8 2SZ
Telephone: 01307 468644
Email: angus.archives@angus.gov.uk
Angus Archives also has a proven track record in providing a historical research service to clients who are unable to conduct research for themselves. They specialise in researching all aspects of Angus history and ancestors. Archive staff can be commissioned to trace an entire family tree, locate one individual ancestor or research the history of a house, school or business.
Research can be commissioned in blocks of 1 hour of Angus Archives staff research time. Email: angus.archives@angus.gov.uk or telephone 01307 468644.
With the origins of the medieval burgh traceable to the 12th century, Dundee City Archives hold civic records from 1327, and local private family records from the 15th century, as well as substantial collections of modern maritime and business records from the Victorian industrial boom years. You are welcome to book a visit in person to pore over this wide range of material, or staff can put you in touch with local professional genealogists whom you can commission to carry out a search for you.
The Search Room at 1 Shore Terrace, Dundee is open to the public Monday to Friday 9.15 am-1.00 pm and 2.00 pm-4.45 pm by appointment (telephone 01382 434494).
Members of the public may consult the records for the purposes of historical research on condition that they sign the Search Room regulations. The Search Room is on the first floor up two flights of stairs and at the end of a long corridor. Special arrangements can be made for members of the public with walking difficulties.
Records held at Dundee City Archives include:
Archive Services at the University of Dundee holds extensive collections of interest to a wide range of researchers. These include:
University Collections: relating to the University of Dundee and its predecessors and to the development of further education in the region.
Ecclesiastical Collections: including the Brechin Diocese of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Glasite and Sandemanian Churches and the Arbroath Methodist Church.
Business Records: relating to businesses in the Tayside area in particular to the linen and jute industries and the latter's connections with India.
Medical Collections: hospital, asylum and management archives from NHS Tayside, records of the Dundee medical school and related organisations and individuals, and papers of overseas medical missionaries.
Local History: records of individuals and organisations in the Tayside area showing changes in the economy, society, leisure pursuits, town planning and the built and natural environment.
Maps and Plans
Photographic Collections: over 130,000 images. Major collections include those relating to the University, Dundee and the local area, a missionary collection from Palestine and the Michael Peto collection (pre and post-war Britain, the arts, especially the London ballet scene, Cambridge Prospect Theatre Productions, Eastern Europe, Israel and India).
Books: collections of local books and newspapers including many rare items; books relating to Scottish history and to British labour, social and shipping history.
For information on opening times contact:
Archives Services,
University of Dundee,
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel. 01382 384095
Email: archives@dundee.ac.uk or visit www.dundee.ac.uk/archives
In addition to the Archives offices, the main libraries also hold very good collections of local history material, books and maps.
The Local History department at Dundee Central Library houses extensive collections of primary sources of interest to the family historian: maps, directories, photographs, newspapers, Census returns and Old Parish Registers on microfilm for the Dundee area.
If your family was engaged in the traditional Angus & Dundee occupations of agriculture, fishing, whaling or weaving, there may be detailed records you can use in one of the libraries. The staff there will be pleased to help you.
Dundee City Council is has established the area's first one-stop shop Family History Centre, which offers assisted searches and free internet access in order that you can carry out some of your own research there. Qualified and experienced Registrars are on hand to help you find the information you require and guide you through the research process.
If you prefer not to do the research yourself, they can also be commissioned to produce your Family Tree for you. Located at the Central Library, the Wellgate, it isopen from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. each day. Alternatively you can commission your research online at local.studies@dundeecity.gov.uk