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
Introduction to the First World War Home Front
When you think of the First World War often the first thing to spring to mind are trenches and fighting in France and Belgium. However,
HAT Visits Titchfield Abbey
A small group assembled at Titchfield Abbey at 10:30am on Wednesday 19th June, greeted by our hosts Marilyn and Colin Wilton- Smith, members of the Titchfield
Series 3: Episode 1 – Hampshire Archives Trust: Dr Gabrielle Storey
In this episode, Daniella is joined by Dr Gabrielle Storey, who is currently working as part of the Victoria County History (VCH) Hampshire team. Gabrielle is writing parish histories of Ellisfield and North Waltham and discusses her work for VCH, giving insights into the histories of these two places and the records available to carry out this research.
Charter Analysis and Reassessing the Reign of King Eadwig, 955-959.
‘Anglo-Saxon charters’ refer to a wide range of documentary sources including diplomas, writs and wills, written in a combination of Latin and Old English. Typically,
Series 2: Episode 9 – Hampshire Archives Trust: Introducing Our Newest Trustees
In this episode, Daniella speaks to our newest Trustees Barbara Gibson and Nick Shrimpton about how they became involved in Hampshire Archives Trust. During the episode, Nick and Barbara share their interests in Hampshire’s local history and the importance of preserving archives.
Assassination, Celebration, and Civil War: Where to find Charles I in Hampshire
Charles I was born 423 years ago on 19th November 1600 in Dunfermline Castle, in Fife, Scotland. The second surviving son of James VI &