Tyne and Wear Archives Service

The Tyne and Wear Archives Service is a county record office in Newcastle upon Tyne that preserves documents dating back roughly 9 centuries and is housed on about 20 kilometers of shelving. The collection covers a wide range of materials related to the industrial and urban history of the region.

The archive was established in 1974 as an institution under Tyne and Wear County Council and brought together collections from the Newcastle Archives Office. Its current form took shape after a reorganisation in 1986 that made operations more efficient.

The archives hold extensive records of shipbuilding, engineering work, and industrial production that show the manufacturing heritage of the region. Visitors can see how these materials document the maritime and technical past of the area.

Visitors need to book in advance to access the search room, as it is not open to drop-in visitors at any time. Staff can assist with ordering document copies or research help if you contact them ahead of your visit.

The shipbuilding collection was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, recognising the global importance of these documents. This makes it a place of international interest for anyone researching maritime history.

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Part of: Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

Address: Blandford House, Blandford Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, NE1 4JA

Website: https://twarchives.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 54.96900,-1.62500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09