Access to the collections

Researchers should note that access to the collections are subject to the Archive's conditions of access. Business records up to the date of 1945 are generally available for public consultation. Access to Rothschild family papers is at the discretion of the Archive, and special permission from donors and depositors may additionally be required to access all, or part, of family collections. All family papers later than 1945 are currently closed to researchers. Applications to consult some parts of the collection that are available after 1945, or family collections, must be made in writing to The Director of The Rothschild Archive.

In this online Guide, descriptions of records dated later than 1945 may be given to indicate that a series continues beyond 1945. The inclusion of such descriptions does not mean that these records are available for consultation.

Collections in London

The Rothschild Archive maintains a research centre in the City of London. Our Reading Room is open to bona fide researchers, by appointment only, between 10.00 am and 16.15 pm, Monday to Friday. UK public holidays are observed. 

Researchers wishing to consult material in the Archive should first contact The Rothschild Archive with details of their research proposal. All researchers are required to register with The Rothschild Research Forum, providing two written references in support of their application in advance of their visit. If you are not already a member, please register register with the Rothschild Research Forum » 

Much of the collection is stored off-site; researchers are requested to identify material of interest in advance of their visit, giving us at least 48 hours’ notice. Researchers are required to sign a copy of our standard agreement on their first visit; this agreement stipulates that all work produced which is based on research in the Archive will be submitted to the Archivist prior to commercial publication. 

Collections in France

Business records of the Paris House are located in the Archives Nationales du Monde du Travail at Roubaix, France. Special arrangements to consult these papers apply. 

Further information about visiting both London and Roubaix may be found here »