Parish register copying service


We can supply copies of many Suffolk original parish registers on microfiche and microfilm. (Copies of the majority of registers are in microfiche format, but some exceptionally large, early registers are only available on film.) There is a charge for each microfiche or microfilm and a handling charge for each order. For more information please email Ipswich Record Office.

The parish register fiche/film list (PDF 284 Kb) gives details of the years covered on microfiche/film for each parish in Suffolk, the number of fiche and/or film and whether we have received permission to sell copies.

Years covered column These are the earliest and latest date of entries included in the fiche/film. There may be gaps in the registers and not all events may be covered by these years.
No of fiche column This number indicates how many fiche cover the registers for the parish eg Acton All Saints has a total of 17 fiche covering 1605 to 1900. To order these fiche would be 17 times the price of each fiche plus handling and postage for 17 fiche. Where possible, the registers have been duplicated on microfiche. However, some registers are too large to be copied onto fiche and therefore are only available on microfilm.

Permission received column For some parishes, we do not have permission from the incumbent to supply copies of their registers in microform, so you should look at this column to see whether you can purchase the parish in which you are interested. An explanation of the comments are as follows: "No": we do not have permission to supply copies therefore the parish is not available, "Yes": we can supply copies or "Apply each time": copies of these are available; you will need to apply for permission from the incumbent before we can process your order.  Please print off the letter of request and contact us by e-mail for the name and address of the incumbent to whom you should send the letter. You will need to fill in the details in the letter before posting it off to the incumbent. If the incumbent agrees to your request then the bottom part of the form will be returned to the Ipswich Record Office and we will place your order upon receipt.

NRO: The original registers for these parishes, whilst in Suffolk are in the Lothingland Deanery which is part of the Diocese of Norwich and are held in Norfolk Record Office, you will need to apply directly to them with any request to purchase copies of these registers.

British Library: This applies to Dunwich St Peter only. The original registers are in the British Library and they should be contacted direct regarding any duplication issues.

How To Order Fill in the Photographic & Duplifiche/Film order form and send it to the Ipswich branch. Please include your payment. Cheques, postal orders, money orders and Eurocheques should be in Pounds Sterling and made payable to SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL

Parish packs

Have you ever wondered about the parish where your ancestors lived? The parish packs contain: 

  • Early Ordnance Survey maps giving an overview of the parish and it's surroundings
  • County directories from 1844, 1874 and 1900 (listing some of the occupants of the village. This can be especially useful if your ancestors ran commercial premises such as the local pub or blacksmith's forge)
  • Pocket histories (supplying background information on the parish including the church, manor and school).
  • Copy photographs
Most Suffolk parishes can be supplied upon request. Town packs for Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft are now available.

The parishes are separated into 3 categories, as detailed below:
Category 1: Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich or Lowestoft
Category 2: Aldeburgh, Beccles, Blythburgh, Brandon, Bungay, Clare, Debenham, Dunwich, East Bergholt, Eye, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Glemsford, Hadleigh, Halesworth, Haughley, Haverhill, Ixworth, Lakenheath, Lavenham, Leiston cum Sizewell, Long Melford, Mendlesham, Mildenhall, Needham Market, Newmarket, Orford, Saxmundham, Southwold, Stradbroke, Stowmarket, Sudbury, Wickham Market or Woodbridge.
Category 3: all parishes other than those listed above 

Parish packs can be ordered by completing the order form (PDF 110Kb) and sending it to Ipswich Record Office. There is a charge for each pack and payment is required in advance. 

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