Our Archive and Library is open for all researchers, but visits must be booked in advance.  This ensures we can be prepared for your visit and help you make the most of your time with us, and that staff or volunteers are available to assist your research. 

We are sorry we are not able to welcome walk-in researchers to the Library and Archive.

Bookings can be made for research visits, subject to staff or volunteer availability, on:

• Tuesday - all day
• Wednesday - morning only
• Thursday - all day
• Friday - morning only

To make an appointment contact: archive@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk, or telephone 01380 727369.

August 2024

Opening Hours

• Pre-booked visits only, Tuesday to Friday (see above) - subject to staff or volunteer availability.
• Please contact us to arrange a visit.
• Free for WANHS members, usual Museum admission charge for non-members.

Online Catalogues

• Most of our collections are now online.
• PDF Catalogues of Journals and Newspapers can be downloaded.
• Some material, including natural history journals and rarely consulted books, are stored offsite. If you let us know in advance about the topic you are researching, then we can arrange to have material ready for you.
• The map collection is currently being catalogued and will be available online soon.

Collections

• The collection consists of rare and unique material such as the 1628 illuminated copy of the Devizes charters, works and manuscripts by William Stukeley, William Cunnington, John Aubrey, Richard Colt Hoare and John Britton.
• We also hold some parish record transcripts, sale catalogues, poll books, local history books, photographs and newspapers.

Planning a visit and Assisting your research - the Archive & Library operates an appointment system

Letting us know in advance means that we can be prepared for your visit and help you make the most of your time with us, please:

• Let us know about the subject you are researching and provide us with a list of materials you wish to consult by completing and emailing a Document Request Form preferably two weeks in advance.  We can then prepare for your visit, identify relevant documents, and help make the best use of your time while you are here.
• E-mail archive@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk.
• You can use our online catalogues to identify resources for your research.
• Note that an appointment in advance is required to research items from the Paintings, Prints and Drawings Collection.

Registration

Non-members will be asked to register when they first arrive. Please bring a form of identity giving name and address / photograph such as:

• Recent bank statement
• Driving Licence
• Recent official bill / invoice
• Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (WANHS) members must present their membership card/proof of membership.

Pencils must be used in the Reading Room and lockers are available for coats and bags.

Charges

• There is an admission charge, which includes entry to the Wiltshire Museum.
• WANHS members are entitled to use the Archive & Library free of charge.
• Visit the Support Us section for costs and how to join.

Photography, Photocopying & Digitisation

• Cameras: You are welcome to take photographs with your own camera if images are for personal use (not for publication or websites). We will ask you to sign a copyright declaration form when you arrive.
• Photocopying: 20p per page. Please note that with the exception of Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine, we cannot photocopy collection items dating from before 1900.
• Photocopying (by post): £5 + 20 per page (plus VAT)
• In-House Scanning: £20 (£10 concessions) (plus VAT)
• In-House Digital Photography: £20 (£10 concessions) (plus VAT)

Please see the Research pages for details.

Other Services

• There is no charge for initial email enquiries.
• Please note that note that replies may take up to six weeks as we receive a large number of enquiries each day.
• Staff can carry out more detailed research at a cost of £15 (plus VAT) per hour.

We welcome visits by academic, student or local history groups. Please contact us to arrange this in advance.