West Sussex Record Office have launched a new website giving residents even better access to the history and heritage of the county.

Visitors to the website can be transported to years gone by from the comfort of their own home through access to digital records. The online catalogue uses a specialist digital preservation system enabling users to search through the records and access up to 36,000 images available to view, download and purchase.

Cllr. Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, said: “West Sussex has a rich history that I encourage all residents to explore and it’s great that via our new website this has made it easier and more exciting for all.

“The new website also supports our Council Plan priority making the best use of resource by modernising the way residents can access services through the use of digital channels and technology to make it as easy as possible.”

To help users to get the most out of the new website, advice on searching the catalogue is available along with new research guides and further information about the collections. There are also new pages on all the Record Office’s projects and latest news.

The online shop also has a host of books DVDs and CDs available to purchase, some of which can’t be found anywhere else.

Residents can also visit their local library to use a public computer, and staff will be able to help get you started on the new website. For those in need of a little extra help, the library offers digital support with the chance for a one-to-one session with a digital volunteer. Contact your local library for further information.

For those residents who still want to make a visit to the Record Office in person, the website is still a handy tool. The new Reader Order Management system can let the team know what documents you’d like to view in the Searchroom by requesting up to three items in advance, helping customers make best use of their research or study time when they visit.

You can also use the website to find out what events and talks are taking place and book your place online.

Start exploring today at https://www.wsro.org.uk/ .