Village Vault Guidelines The records housed in our Village Vaults represent sensitive historical information about some of the families of today's community members and their families. While these documents are valuable research tools and are in the public domain, they may contain personal details that deserve respectful handling.  

In accessing these materials, we ask that you: 

Consider the privacy implications before sharing information about individuals who may have living descendants

Use discretion when reproducing or publishing details from these records

Provide proper attribution to both original sources and our archive when citing this material

Remember and respect that these records represent real people with complex lives and relationships 

Content Usage and Copyright 

 The Village Vault exists as a shared community resource. To protect the integrity of these materials: 

Please do not download, copy, or take screenshots of content without explicit written permission

Materials should not be reproduced or distributed in any form outside of personal research

Please refrain from using archive content for commercial purposes without prior arrangement

If you wish to cite or use any content from this archive for publication, presentation, or other purposes beyond personal research, please contact us to request permission.

When permission is granted, proper attribution must be given to the Before We Leave Community Archive and the original creator(s) 

A Note on Copyright: 

The original census returns and some other material from the archive centres are Crown Copyright, held by The National Archives. While records over 100 years old are generally accessible for personal and educational research, the reproduction of complete original census images, maps, documents etc. may be subject to copyright restrictions. Our transcriptions and indices have been created as a research tool for local historians and genealogists, with appropriate attribution to the original sources. Should you wish to publish or reproduce original census images, we recommend consulting The National Archives guidance on copyright and permissions.

Your responsible engagement with these materials helps us maintain this balance between accessibility and respect for privacy. Unauthorised reproduction or distribution of these materials may constitute copyright infringement and could result in legal action.  Thank you for your cooperation in preserving both our historical record and the dignity of those documented within it. 

 With warmest regards and care and attention to historical detail,