Archives and Local Studies for Bath and North East Somerset

06/06/2026

Waiting for the Mayor Making Ceremony to start in Bath Abbey. A first for me

23/04/2026

Another successful was had on Saturday. Always love to give people a chance to chat and ask questions. This year our display was on the history of the Banqueting Room, where the stalls were laid out. Including the original bill for the chandeliers above our heads.

18/04/2026

Come and join us and a whole bunch of other heritage organisations in the Guildhall 11-3 to celebrate World Heritage Day.

This year’s theme is Social Bath…

The Roman Baths Victoria Art Gallery No.1 Royal Crescent

15/04/2026

Do you remember the orange in the Guildhall? This photo is from the 1980s and somehow the colour survived

01/04/2026

Come and have a look at our little display case if you’re oassing the Guildhall - thanks for taking a look Bath Newseum

Here’s another little mini exhibition of items from the archives that you can view for free. Pop into Bath’s Guildhall and head for the stairs that lead to the Record Office in the base…

18/03/2026

We’re sorry if our closure this week has been a problem, but I assure you we are working hard doing things that wouldn’t be possible in a normal week.
From cleaning strongroom shelves (the top ones are always the worst), or sorting a large collection of photos ready for our volunteers to list to measuring and assessing the city charters for conservation.

We’ll be open as usual from Tuesday next week (23rd)

17/03/2026

Congratulations for being shortlisted, Sam (the wife of the Record Office Manager). We wish you the best of luck.

🌟 We’re thrilled to share that Sam from B&NES Library Service has been shortlisted for a Libraries Connected Award 2026 in the Health & Wellbeing category!

Sam has been recognised for her exceptional dedication and for always going the extra mile. She led the rollout of Sensory Spaces across our libraries and continues to champion new ways to make our environments supportive, inclusive, and welcoming for SEND children, families and adults.

We’re incredibly proud of Sam and the positive impact she makes every single day. 🌈📚💛

11/03/2026

👀 We have changed our display in the south wing of the Guildhall.

Going to a Ball fits with the theme of the upcoming World Heritage Day next month relating to social buildings. The Guildhall held balls and assemblies, so we have displayed items relating to preparing to go to a ball.

Fashion Museum Bath The Roman Baths Bath Newseum

25/02/2026

25/02/2026

Had a wonderful afternoon yesterday showing off our collection of art bindings and historic bindings to a group from Salisbury.
I do love the chance to stop and handle a collection properly and appreciate its artistry. Most of the books on display were by amateur binder Alvah Cook - some were in our Remarkable Books exhibition last year. We also pulled some examples from other parts of the collection.