Thanks to the suggestion of Annswabey I used a few hours between other stuff in London to visit high Holborn. Just in case anyone is thinking how to use their time I hope the following might be helpful:
Late morning I had 45 minutes and then I would be able to return for an hour and a half in the middle afternoon.
The building is easy to find within 300 yds of Chancery Lane tube.
Entering there is a ex-ray m/c and a load of security people. Sent my bag through and walked through the security arch. No-one said a word. Too busy chatting.
I entered the reading room, easy access on ground floor, to see that the reception desk was closed. It remained so throughout my two visits.
I thus hunted around. Basically shelves on books organised by surname within year. I pulled some out and very quickly found what I wanted. I went to the desk and a helpful guy completed my form and checked the details from the book. I chose the 1 hour service (£5 per will). However in the time I was with him the cashier had closed up for 15 mins:(. Not to worry as I could return before 3pm, deadline for one hour service;).
Same non communication entry at security upon my return I went to the cashier counter. The older man in front had pushed the call bell but had not heard it. After 2 minutes he tried it again. I heard a distant buzz. When eventually the guy turned up he gave the older man a mouthful about how it was only necessary to press he bell once. The older man apologised and explained that he hadn’t heard it. The cashier replied that he had! We had a laugh:D.
Next to the original desk my form was taken and I was told my documents would be there in one hour.
I used the hour to search the books for anyone of my surnames. You can cover much ground as there is space, the books are well organised, and very clear to read. I found one further entry that added to my knowledge (you might be luckier but my folks were poor!!). Many entries offer info on occupation, relations and location. Just reading random ones was interesting.
Within an hour I had my four A4 pages stapled in my hands. Fascinating stuff with tons of details – a real eye opener.
So I believe if you’re organised in two hours you could do all you need to. Then hop off elsewhere if you have the time.
Well hope that helps someone plan there trip.
Enjoy Nigel
Late morning I had 45 minutes and then I would be able to return for an hour and a half in the middle afternoon.
The building is easy to find within 300 yds of Chancery Lane tube.
Entering there is a ex-ray m/c and a load of security people. Sent my bag through and walked through the security arch. No-one said a word. Too busy chatting.
I entered the reading room, easy access on ground floor, to see that the reception desk was closed. It remained so throughout my two visits.
I thus hunted around. Basically shelves on books organised by surname within year. I pulled some out and very quickly found what I wanted. I went to the desk and a helpful guy completed my form and checked the details from the book. I chose the 1 hour service (£5 per will). However in the time I was with him the cashier had closed up for 15 mins:(. Not to worry as I could return before 3pm, deadline for one hour service;).
Same non communication entry at security upon my return I went to the cashier counter. The older man in front had pushed the call bell but had not heard it. After 2 minutes he tried it again. I heard a distant buzz. When eventually the guy turned up he gave the older man a mouthful about how it was only necessary to press he bell once. The older man apologised and explained that he hadn’t heard it. The cashier replied that he had! We had a laugh:D.
Next to the original desk my form was taken and I was told my documents would be there in one hour.
I used the hour to search the books for anyone of my surnames. You can cover much ground as there is space, the books are well organised, and very clear to read. I found one further entry that added to my knowledge (you might be luckier but my folks were poor!!). Many entries offer info on occupation, relations and location. Just reading random ones was interesting.
Within an hour I had my four A4 pages stapled in my hands. Fascinating stuff with tons of details – a real eye opener.
So I believe if you’re organised in two hours you could do all you need to. Then hop off elsewhere if you have the time.
Well hope that helps someone plan there trip.
Enjoy Nigel
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