GeoRecords

GeoRecords

BGS GeoRecords provides access to the National Geoscience Data Centre archive of over nine million items.

Our most popular collection is Borehole Records.

GeoRecords Borehole Ordering System - Notice of Retirement on 29th March 2024

BGS have improved accessibility to borehole scans by generating multi-page PDF files that provide the data in a more efficient way, with no limitation on size.

This has enabled BGS to retire the GeoRecords borehole ordering system as all boreholes (unless confidential / restricted) are now available using the Geoindex borehole data layer.

Further information on confidential / restricted boreholes can be requested via enquiries@bgs.ac.uk


The historical records held by the BGS date back to the 18th Century. During the intervening period the meaning of some words and/or descriptive terms has changed. In rare instances some historic records contain words once used commonly that might now cause offence. BGS policy is to provide the records in their original state without amendment or excision of content. This policy is consistent with that of The National Archives.


Open Borehole Records

Free access to scanned borehole collections

Further information

Archive items not available via our webpage can be accessed by contacting enquiries@bgs.ac.uk to arrange a visit for viewing or supply of scanned records via our document delivery service. Prices on application.

More details of our Archive Collections can be found in the Records Holdings section of our website or search for BGS datasets using the Geoindex.

Materials Collections - Alongside our extensive hardcopy archive of records, we have a vast collection of material, gathered since 1835, including: core, palaeontology and petrology collections. See 'using materials collections' in order to visit the Core Store or search the Materials holdings.