Hi Joan, If you are thinking of a trip to Kew then reading the National Archives website here http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/researching-here/ is a must. IT EXPLAINS CLEARLY WHAT TO EXPECT, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU, AND WHAT YOU'RE ALLOWED AND NOT ALLOWED. Excuse the capitals - I'm not shouting - I'm just emphasising that these are the tips you really need to know about. I would suggest that you get as much done before you go as you possibly can. 1. You can get a reader's ticket on-line beforehand. It takes 6 weeks and it says you will save 15 minutes of time doing it. However, it will take longer than that because the building is huge and awesome and overpowering if you've never been before. So everything takes longer first time around. Imagine: on arrival, check coats, bags, etc into cloakroom, find ticket station, get ticket, return personal stuff to bag in cloakroom, and 30 minutes or more has gone without you noticing. If you already have a ticket you can go straight in. 2. Do research their on-line catalogue for what you hope to find well beforehand. You can pre-order documents on-line so that they are waiting for you on arrival. This will save a lot of time. 3. Use a large, clear see-through zip bag to hold your paper (including any of your own notes), magnifying glass/sheet and soft-leaded 2B-4B pencils - take more than one - as you are not allowed pencil sharpeners. There are pencil sharpeners screwed down at tables in the reading rooms, but you can avoid losing precious minutes walking over to re-sharpen every time you need to. Security is everywhere at Kew - it's a real issue. You will be searched before entering and leaving the reading rooms. No bags, no coats, no garments that could hide documents (floaty cardigans are suspect!). So the more transparent you can be the better. Uniformed officers patrol the reading rooms constantly and everyone is watched. No need to feel intimidated however, they are all extremely helpful and knowledgeable and pleasant. Time flies - there is never enough and there is always more to do because one document can unleash the need to look at more - in fact it almost always does. Kew is an amazing place and you will come away elated and frustrated both. Have a great day - and then go back for more! Ruth

Thank you to everyone who has given me hints and tips on a trip to Kew, I think I need to plan a holiday there!! Joan