Access to Blenheim Archives

Blenheim Archives is closed to Palace visitors. Access is possible for specific research purposes in certain circumstances, but the Archivist can also carry out some researches on your behalf

It is advisable to explore other sources of information before making an enquiry. This is so that you know about other resources which may be more helpful to your research.

Making an initial enquiry

If you would still like to contact the Archivist, please send a completed Blenheim Archives Enquiry Form to archives@blenheimpalace.com.

We receive a high volume of research enquiries to which we reply in order of receipt. We aim to reply to enquiries within three working days with an update of how we can assist with your research. If you decide to proceed with us carrying out research on your behalf there will be a £30 non-refundable charge. Where possible, we will respond with further details within 28 working days, though there may be occasions when we cannot reply fully within that timeframe and we may not hold the information that you have requested.

Visiting in person

There are some cases where you may be able to visit Blenheim Archives for research purposes. This may be possible if you have a local history research interest or a specific academic enquiry.

In advance of requesting a visit, please read the Blenheim Archives Access Regulations. These are designed to ensure that access to and use of materials is consistent and fair and it includes Confidentiality and Copyright Statements. The Regulations help to safeguard the records from the physical risk of damage, loss or misplacement and the risks of breaking Data Protection legislation, infringement of copyright rules or breach of trust of sensitive information. All researchers who visit Blenheim Archives must confirm in writing that they have read and understood the Blenheim Archives Access Regulations.

To apply for access you need to complete the Blenheim Archives Access Request Form detailing the nature of your research, the material which you hope to access and how you plan to use the information.

Please be aware that it is not possible to remove any items from the Archives and items may only be consulted under the supervision of the Archivist. Visits are strictly by appointment and tend to be available most weekdays between the hours of 10am and 1pm.

As a small service we are not always able to accommodate researchers on the first day of their choice, so please include some alternative dates if possible. We ask all researchers to give a minimum of two weeks’ notice of any visit. There is a £30 charge per person per visit payable in advance.

Due to the size of the Archives Office, we can only accommodate two researchers at a time.

A maximum of 10 items can be produced per searcher per visit. Production of documents ‘on demand’ is not possible so all documents must be ordered prior to your visit: researchers do not have access to the storerooms.

Self-photography is permitted but no photocopies can be provided.

The Archivist will supervise all visits and will be available to answer any questions and provide advice and guidance on handling rare and unique material, including the use of book cushions, weights and foams.

Please be aware that the Archive Office and Research Room are located on the first floor and are only accessible via a flight of steep stairs. Arrangements can be made for ground floor step free access, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Access restrictions

For preservation and security reasons, uncatalogued papers are not available for research. For legislative and confidentiality reasons, records are closed for 100 years from the date of creation.

Access requests may also be declined due to:

  • The condition of the material
  • The sensitivity of its content
  • Legislative constraints (e.g. Data Protection Act 1998/Freedom of Information Act 2000)
  • Family and donor wishes
  • Books in the Long Library at Blenheim Palace are not available for consultation

We do not usually provide access to original documents where a surrogate is available, e.g. a hard-copy or digital edition, or facsimile. However, we recognise that certain types of research necessitate consultation of the original document, e.g. study of paper/watermarks, seals, handwriting, signatures, annotations, and we are happy to provide access where a researcher can demonstrate a need to see the original.

Copies of material

Sometimes it may be possible to make copies of records for personal, research and non-commercial use. All images remain the copyright of Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation. A licence is required if you intend to publish material and Archives staff can advise on how to apply.