Research service

For family history and other types of research, we recommend using a professional independent researcher. These can be found through the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives or The National Archives Independent Researchers list.

Rateable values

The archives centre holds rate books for 1965 and a duplicate valuation list for 1973. We can check the rateable values on a property for those two years at the cost of £40 per address.

The full valuation lists for 1965, 1973 and 1990 are held by Capita. Please email [email protected] or call 020 8315 2050 for details of their service.

Gillow furniture history

Gillow is a famous name in antique luxury furniture.

The Archives Centre holds:

• the estimate sketch-books from the mid-18th century to the early 20th century 
• an index of furniture types
• names and addresses of patrons up to 1825
• an index of Gillow making numbers

We can undertake searches for individual pieces if you are able to provide an image of the item and indicate an approximate date if possible. We will send you a copy of the sketch and specification if we find it.

We are unable to give valuations; an antique dealer or auction house should be able to help with this.

The cost of this service is £42 an hour with a maximum of three hours work.