Thousands of English Diaspora visit or are in correspondence with the Canterbury Cathedral Archives to research their rich collection of manuscripts, maps, historic records and books dating from the late 8th century onwards. It is a goldmine of ancestral information and the staff are excellent and ready to help. Note their restricted opening hours however, and do book ahead, whether you are coming as an individual or as a group. While basic group visits are 30/60 mins, individuals may spend hours and even multiple visits for ancestral research.