Family and estate archives
A short guide to the family and estate archives held at the Dorset History Centre
Family and estate collections will often include records for the manor. Please use our guide to
guide to manorial records (pdf, 22kb) (opens in a new window) 
to make sure you get the most out of using the archives.
The Dorset History Centre houses more than 50 estate records for Dorset, including the records for the Cooper Dean Estate and Bankes of Kingston Lacy.
Manorial records often include:
- Judicial and legislative issues for the manor
- Conveyances of the land
- List of jurors and officers of the court
- Rentals
- Maps of the manor
- Accounts
- Customs and traditions
You can search our online catalogue or view our
full list of family and estate archives (pdf, 55kb) (opens in a new window) .
Please note: Some collections are not catalogued, and some others are only part catalogued. For these collections please contact us in advance with your enquiry so we can help find the documents you are interested in.
