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.
During the summer of 2024 HAT conducted a survey of Hampshire archives holding groups (excluding the record offices in Hampshire) to find out more about access to material held by these groups, discover how much is electronically catalogued, what percentage is available on line, and just see how much is held. The webinar (17 Oct 2024) shown below presents the data gathered. An update can be seen here
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. Hampshire Archives Trust has now identified more than 200 groups and organisations with significant archives in the county. You can search for these either by map, category or keyword here.
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
Series 4: Episode 5 – Witches, Witchcraft and Local History
In this episode Daniella is joined by Professor Marion Gibson, Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures at the University of Exeter, to discuss witches and witch trials of the early modern period. During the episode, Professor Gibson discusses what made someone a witch, famous witch trials in England, and the records available to study this history, including material found at Hampshire Record Office.
Meet our new Chair!
Dr Alistair Dougall was recently elected as Hampshire Archives Trust’s Chair at our recent AGM on Saturday 11th October. Alistair has been a longstanding Trustee
Series 4: Episode 4 – The Battle of Southsea Project
In this episode, Daniella talks to Paul Carter, creator of Name & Place and author of Beyond the Tree, about uncovering family history stories and how the Name & Place software supports researchers to put together the bigger historical picture. Paul also shares top tips for researching family history and discusses his new book.
Series 4: Episode 3 – Name & Place
In this episode, Daniella talks to Paul Carter, creator of Name & Place and author of Beyond the Tree, about uncovering family history stories and how the Name & Place software supports researchers to put together the bigger historical picture. Paul also shares top tips for researching family history and discusses his new book.
The Armada Chronicles
I’ve been a member of the wonderful Sarah Siddons Fan Club for 15 years and have had lots of exciting opportunities to perform the amazing
Looking for George Austen at Monk Sherborne
In this anniversary year, spare a thought for Jane Austen’s elder brother George. The historical record says something about his life. We know that he