06 August 2024
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Durham The Story: The new Durham archives are now open Summer 2024
Sarah Yates, Communications Executive at Discover County Durham, shares the news.
Where does your story at The Story begin?
Located on the outskirts of Durham City, The Story brings together County Durham’s archives, records and historical collections: six miles of archives charting 900 years of history.
Where is Durham's new archives?
It is housed at the Grade II listed Mount Oswald manor, which has been restored and extended.
There are five different collections of historic records, documents and objects. Together these collections reveal fascinating glimpses into the lives of people throughout County Durham’s history.
The centre is also home the DLI (Durham Light Infantry) collection and archive, which have been brought together for the first time since 1998.
The collections speak of people’s attitudes and adventures, difficulties and differences, connections and communities. They hold unexpected items and hidden treasures.
County Durham Archives holds records of County Durham and Darlington, including the pre-1974 historic county between the Rivers Tyne and Tees.
The collection tells wide-ranging stories from royal visits to poverty and hardship, from blossoming new towns to technological innovation.
Searching and accessing the Durham records
The archives span over 900 years from the earliest parchment document of 1122 to modern digital records.
These stories of the county are found in letters, maps, diaries, plans, photographs, deeds and charters, and much more.
Search the thousands of objects and documents to discover hidden stories, family connections, global networks and county treasures.
How to access the Durham's The Story archives
Access to all collections is in purpose-built facilities on the first floor of the new building, with interactive screens and 16 computer terminals for accessing digital content, a secure research area (the ‘collections room’) for viewing collection items from the strong rooms, and a separate reception area for enquiries relating to historic civil registration.
On demand access to the Historic Environment Record (HER), the collections database and popular records such as church registers and newspapers will be available digitally in our ‘Search and Discover’ space.
While many collection items will be available ‘on demand’ some, including larger objects, will require several days’ notice.
Plan your visit to Durham's The Story archive
Mon-Fri: 0900-1700
Thurs: 0900-1900
Sat-Sun: 1000-1700
Café: Daily 1000-1600
Collections Room: Mon-Fri 1000-1600
Thurs: 1000-1900
Bank Holidays: Closed (unless stated)
The Story welcomes everyone and strives to be accessible.
The Story
Mount Oswald
South Road
Durham
DH1 3TQ