IDENTITY
Name Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark Diocesan Archives
Identifier GB0411
DESCRIPTION
Institutional
context The Diocesan
Archives is the repository for the Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark. The
Archive holds the episcopal and administrative records of the Diocese from its
foundation in 1850 to the present day, telling the story of the Archdiocese and
its mission.
Please visit the Archive’s
website: https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/ministry/diocesan-archives/
Archival and other holdings The
records in the Diocesan Archive tell the story
the
Archdiocese of Southwark and its mission.
They include the papers of the
bishops/ archbishops; material relating to finance, property and education;
chancery records; files on religious houses and seminaries; parish files;
deanery records; information on Southwark clergy; and records on St George’s
Cathedral.
There is also a collection of
early printed books, predominantly works of theology and church history, and
complete series of Southwark Diocese publications such as The Southwark Record
and the Southwark Catholic Directory.
Several collections have been
deposited in the Diocesan Archive. These include the archive of St John’s
Seminary, Wonersh.
Finding
aids and publications The
Archive is currently developing an online catalogue which will be available in
2023. In the meantime, copies of the list of archive materials and rare books
held by the Archive can be sent out on request.
ACCESS
Opening
times The archive is open on
Mondays 8am-2pm and Tuesdays 8am-5pm by appointment only. The archive may be
closed over holiday periods. Please check before planning a visit.
Conditions and requirements
Access to the Diocesan Archives
is by appointment only and at the discretion of the Diocesan Archivist. All
readers must register and complete an Archive User Agreement form before being
granted access to the archive material. External researchers must also show
some identification on their first visit.
The User form can be found on
the Archive’s website:
https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/ministry/diocesan-archives/accessing-the-diocesan-archives/
Disabled
access The Archive is up a flight
of external stone steps with toilet facilities down a flight of internal
stairs. Please contact the Archivist in advance if this will cause you any
difficulties.
Transport The Archive is easily
accessible by public transport in central London. Lambeth North Underground
Station (Bakerloo Line) and London Waterloo station are short walks away and Southwark
and Elephant & Castle stations are within 15 minutes’ walk. Numerous buses serve the area.
SERVICES
Research
services The
Archivist is unable to undertake detailed research on behalf of enquirers.
Limited research enquiries can be carried out free of charge.
Reproduction
services Copies
can be requested of any items in the Archive subject to preservation and
copyright regulations and at the Archivist’s discretion. A charge may be
applicable for reprographic services. Digital photographs may be taken free of
charge.
Public
facilities There
are cafes, restaurants and shops in the vicinity of the Archive. The Imperial
War Museum is a five minute walk away.
CONTROL
Date of creation April
2024