Archives
In the belief that archives are the bedrock of historical studies, HAT promotes, encourages, helps to finance and generally supports the preservation, conservation and organisation of materials of all kinds – documents, photographs, recordings, film and video and digital files.
HAT is committed to supporting the preservation and celebration of valuable local archives through our grants system, events and other related activities.
Discover Local Archives
Hampshire has one of the richest collections of archives in the country. As well major collections – at Hampshire Record Office, Winchester, and the city archives of Southampton and Portsmouth – there are also important archives held at the Universities and a wide range of smaller collections, associated with local history and heritage groups, museums and historic sites, companies, genealogists and other individuals, and families with significant archives. Some of these collections are of national importance.
your archive
Many people have photographs, documents and materials that have personal historical value but many do not realise that these items also have a wider historical value. We strongly believe that understanding your past is key to shaping a better future and we encourage everyone to care for their own archives and to share those with us and others – whether that’s through depositing their archive in the appropriate local repository, creating an accessible archive for others or simply by sharing their stories telling us of their experience in creating an archive. This website features stories written by various authors using their own research in local archives and which we think are particularly interesting. If you have an archive-related story that you think would be of wider interest then please do tell us about it and if suitable we will add it to the stories we have published on this site.
Stories from the Archives
Violet Russell’s Autograph Book: Part 2
The previous article detailed the research into Violet Russell, a VAD nurse at the Red Cross Hospital, The Close, Winchester and her autograph book recording
Violet Russell’s Autograph Book: Part 1
The Judge’s Lodgings in the Cathedral Close in Winchester was, like many large houses, requisitioned for use as a hospital by the Red Cross during
Series 2: Episode 5 – Women Amateur Filmmakers in Hampshire
In this latest episode, Daniella had the opportunity to speak with Zoë Viney-Burgess, a doctoral candidate at the University of Southampton and Curator of Film at Wessex Film & Sound Archive (WFSA) in Winchester, about her research into women amateur filmmakers in Hampshire.
Series 2: Episode 4 – Early Medieval Hampshire
This latest episode focuses on early medieval Hampshire, during which Daniella speaks to Dr Rob Gallagher, an historian of early medieval Britain.
The Spanish ‘Invisible Armada’ of 1599 and Hampshire’s Demanding Militia Organisation
In the final years of Elizabeth I’s reign, England had been plunged into a time of crisis following an undeclared war with Spain, the most
Hop-growing in Hampshire
After ‘ale’ was overtaken by ‘beer’ in the 1600s, hops – a key companion to Christmas cheer – became an essential ingredient of the national