ABSTRACT
As with libraries, there are extensive public and private archives, although not all are accessible. Few historic collections have been digitised. In order to consult these records, researchers need to attend in person. Types of collections are extensive, and a number are considered in this chapter, including crime and punishment records. It is well-known that extensive records on male homosexuality can be recovered by studying criminal records but less well-known that homosexuality and gender diversity can also be recovered by searching for cross-dressing and cross-living in criminal cases. Also covered are community, health and institution records, which can show how entities have changed over time, as well as political and local governmental records, which can demonstrate the attitudes and voting records of politicians in relation to changing societal opinions. The section on searching diaries and letters includes advice on how to discover and interpret content using the Chapter 3 guidelines regarding romantic friendships. The chapter also looks at understudied archives and subjects, particularly regarding mental health. For example, a great deal of work has been done on ‘gay cures’ for men, but very little has been done on women. Other sources, such as workhouse records, coroners’ reports and insane asylum records, have also been neglected in respect to locating LGBTQIA+ people.
