Island Archives
Address
Phone
History
The Island Archives was created in 1986 to collect, preserve and provide access to public and private records relating to the history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Spread over three floors of the deconsecrated St Barnabas Church in Cornet Street the Archives houses thousands of documents, files, books and images that date from the 14th century to the present. We maintain an extensive collection of records of the States of Guernsey, both ancient and modern. Others of historical value are obtained by purchase, deposit or donation from institutions or private individuals.
Mandates/Sources of Authority
The Island Archives was constituted by States' resolution of 25 June 1986 to operate under the States Ancient Monuments Committee (from 1994 called the States Heritage Committee) with the duties and responsibilities set out in a report published in Billet d’État xiii of that year. By The Machinery of Government (Transfer of Functions) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2003, responsibility for Island Archives was transferred to the Policy Council of the States of Guernsey. In 2016 the States of Guernsey transferred responsibility for the Island Archives to the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture. By virtue of the States’ resolution of 1986 all States Departments and Committees are to cooperate with the Island Archivist in accordance with policies and directives to be issued by the Policy and Resources Committee. The States of Guernsey have not made legislation equivalent to the Public Records Act 1958 as amended, or the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2017 as amended applies to the Island Archives. A proportion of the annual income from the Wilfred Carey Purchase Fund, established by States’ resolution in 1990, is available to the Island Archives in some circumstances to make purchases of local interest.
Records Management and Collecting Policies
The Island Archives endeavours to store holdings of ongoing or permanent value in secure and environmentally stable conditions in accordance with the British Standards BS EN 16893:2018 and BS 4971:2017 relating to the storage and care of archive and library collections.
Archival and Other Holdings
Whilst most of our records concern Guernsey, we also hold a number covering the rest of the Bailiwick, including an extensive Alderney collection.
Opening Times
9.30am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Conditions of Access
Most records are available for public viewing, although some materials of a sensitive nature may be subject to restrictions. Further information about the terms of accessing records can be found in the Island Archives' access policy. Visitors wishing to consult records created in the last 100 years and potentially containing personal data will be required to sign a researcher agreement form to be given access to these records, and are encouraged to read the access policy for further information.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access
Research Services
There is no charge for consulting records at the Island Archives, or for staff advice on available resources.
Reproduction Services
Copies are supplied subject to all relevant legal provisions, including those relating to copyright and data protection. In most cases where a copy of material within copyright is being made and supplied by the Island Archives a declaration form must be completed and signed by the user. There may besides be certain restrictions imposed by the depositor. Please also note that large quantities of copying may be subject to an extended waiting period or refused. Photocopying or scanning can subject items to risk of permanent damage due to the high UV levels and heat involved. For this reason there are some records that we will be unable to copy, particularly older materials or those in a fragile condition. In most cases we will be unable to copy the following items due to these risks, although another form of copying may sometimes be possible: Original photographs; Occupation registration forms; Parchment or vellum documents; Documents with seals; Items which are fragile or damaged; Oversize items; Pages or folded enclosures from heavy books, or those with tight bindings.
In some cases users may be permitted to use their own digital cameras or electronic devices (without flash), to take photographs of items in the research area under staff supervision. Please ask a member of Archives’ staff before taking any photographs. Please do not hesitate to ask any member of Archives staff for clarification or further information regarding the foregoing, and we will endeavour to provide an appropriate and timely response, although in some cases we may have to refer the matter to the Archivist or take other advice before proceeding. Researchers are reminded that it is their responsibility to comply with all relevant legal provisions, including those relating to copyright, in respect of material and information made available by the Island Archives. The Guernsey Legal Resources website is http://www.guernseylegalresources.gg/
Sources
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/searches/locresult.asp?lctry=Channel%20Islands
The official website for the States of Guernsey.
National Archives website