The Archives
Explore over 650 years of history in the Glamis Castle Archives with records dating back to the 12th century.
The Archives
Glamis Castle has witnessed over 600 years of illustrious visitors, from royals, prime ministers and artists to friends, clergy and tenants. With such a long and fascinating history, it is not surprising that the castle has a rich and diverse archive.
I love being able to find information for people. It’s so rewarding when we can help find the missing piece of a story for someone.
Exploring the Castle Archives
Our extensive archives document the lives not just of the Strathmore family, but also of wider society from the United Kingdom and abroad. Our Archivist, Ingrid Thomson and the castle archives team can answer a range of enquiries from family and local history to academic research, or relating to the castle, its contents and the estate.
Advice for Family Historians
It is recommended that before contacting the Archivist, family historians should try and have specific names and dates. A good starting point is to look online at www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk where original birth, marriage and death entries from 1855 onwards can be viewed. This is when civil registration became compulsory in Scotland. In addition, the Old Parish Registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths prior to 1855 and Census Records for 1841 to 1911 can be found on this website. Indexes can be searched free of charge and credits can be purchased for a minimal charge to view and download images of records. For further guidance on the castle archives, please visit our Genealogy FAQs.
The Castle Archive records
- Charters and other writs for Forfarshire, Perthshire, Fife and Aberdeenshire, 12th to 20th century
- Barony Court Books, mainly Glamis, 1631 – 1754
- Estate Records, mainly 16th – 20th century: including rentals, tacks, Factors’ accounts, correspondence, maps
- Papers relating to Scottish county, burgh and parish affairs, 17th – 20th century
- Papers of the Earls – including the 3rd Earl’s Book of Record, late 17th century; the 13th Earl of Strathmore’s diaries, 1844 & 1861-1904
- Family correspondence and accounts, 16th to 20th century
- Wage Books, House Steward’s Dept., Glamis: 1851-1861 and 1888-1903
- Bowes Records: 16th to 20th century: including Ridley Hall and Ridley Estates, Northumberland, Durham and Wemmergill, Streatlam and Gibside, Yorkshire estates
- Title Deeds and papers of Redbourn and St. Paul’s Walden, Hertfordshire, 18th – 20th century
- Deeds and papers re London and Isle of Dogs, Middlesex, 18th – 20th century
- Game Books, Glamis, 1878 – 20th century
- Glamis Castle Visitors’ Books, 1818 – 1953
- Recipe/Menu Books, 1666-1866
- Printed and Manuscript Music Books, 1671 – early 19th century
- Photographs, c.1860s – 21st century
- Maps and Plans, c.1722 – 20th century
- Clothing, early 18th century – 19th century
Research requests
An initial search of up to half an hour is free of charge. The Archivist can conduct further research on request at a charge of £40 per hour (payable in advance and inclusive of any relevant images). Please note positive findings cannot be guaranteed.
Visit the Castle Archives
We do provide access to the archives upon request and at the discretion of the Archivist. Requests to visit require a minimum of two weeks’ notice and access is available two days a week, usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Depending on the nature of the research, charges may apply. Students and academics are not charged subject to providing a copy of any articles &c resulting from their research for the Castle Archives. The Archivist can be contacted at [email protected] , but please be aware that she works part-time.
Accessibility information
Please note that the archives are located at the top of the tower and there are no lift facilities or wheelchair access. Alternative arrangements may be made on request, and it is possible to consult selected castle archives at Dundee University Archives.
Reproduction of materials
Reproduction is available subject to preservation and legal requirements. A daily charge of £10 is made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply.
Coronation Robes Exhibition
Glamis Castle was proud to present the Coronation Robes Exhibition in 2017, on the 80th Anniversary of the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Queen Consort, which took place at Westminster Abbey on 10th May 1937. The original Coronation robes, kindly loaned by Her Majesty The Queen for display at Glamis, were made by Madame Handley Seymour. The traditional design had a combined cape and train with symbols of the British Empire – the rose, thistle, shamrock, leek, maple, mimosa, fern and lotus – embroidered on the velvet with gold thread. The Queen’s dress was embroidered by members of The Royal School of Needlework with diamanté emblems of the British Isles and Empire.
Little did the King and Queen know then that their daughter, Princess Elizabeth, would go on to become the longest reigning monarch in British history and celebrate her own Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Women of Glamis Exhibition
During Glamis’ 650 years of history, there have been many women who have played an important role in the castle’s story. The Women of Glamis Exhibition celebrated these remarkable women and their legacy, from royalty to employees.
Children of Glamis Exhibition
Glamis Castle hosted the Children of Glamis Exhibition to coincide with the 650th Anniversary of the granting of the Thanage of Glamis by King Robert II to Sir John Lyon in 1372.
