Visit Us
**Archives Service reopening Monday 12th April**
Following the government announcement that services can reopen on Monday 12th April, we are now accepting bookings.
We will still have our Covid restrictions in place to ensure our staff and visitors remain safe - please read our Covid guidelines before booking and before visiting.
Due to limited staff numbers onsite we won't be answering phone calls so should you need to contact us please fill out our enquiry form.
Opening Hours
ALL VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
MONDAY: 9.15am - 5pm (also 5pm - 7pm by special arrangement - bookings for the late afternoon / evening session must be received and confirmed by 4pm on the previous Friday)
TUESDAY: 9am - 5pm
WEDNESDAY: 9am - 5pm
THURSDAY: CLOSED
FRIDAY: 9am - 5pm
We are closed on Thursdays, weekends and all English Bank Holidays.
Please see our Code of Conduct for searchroom visitors.
Please note our document ordering times are from 9am (or 9.15am on Mondays) to 12.45pm, recommencing at 2pm until 4.30pm. We aim to retrieve documents within five minutes. Four documents are permitted per order.
How to Book a Visit
Contact us by telephone or by email to book space in our searchroom. Please note we are not able to accept visitors without an appointment.
Telephone: 01234 228833
Email: archive@bedford.gov.uk
When you contact us to make a booking, please give us an idea of what material you would like to see. We hope to be able to accommodate your visit on your preferred day but may have to advise you that we are better able to meet your needs on another day. When you visit staff are on hand to help and advise you.
If you want to see any original documents please ensure you search our catalogues online prior to your visit. Over 90% of our catalogue listings can be found there.
How to Find Us
We are in the Riverside Building at Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP. Access is via a pedestrian footbridge from Prebend Street.
Maps showing our location and information about public transport and parking can be found here.
If the outside doors are locked please use the intercom just to the left of the glass entrance doors. Press the button labelled 'Archives' and it will connect you to one of our staff, who can let you in.
You may wish to bring a mobile phone with you to telephone us on (01234) 228530 if you have any problems accessing our building.
Identification
We do not usually request identification from our visitors, but please be aware that due to Data Protection regulations it may be required in order to consult certain records.
Depositing Archives
Depositing archives takes at least half an hour, please make an appointment and ensure that you have allowed sufficient time. Please read our guide for depositors.