Northamptonshire Archives - Northampton

Northamptonshire Archives: A Treasure Trove of History

Nestled in the heart of Wootton Hall Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire Archives is a haven for history enthusiasts, researchers, and curious minds alike. This comprehensive archive and museum offers a wealth of information about the county's rich past, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to delve into the region's history.

Main Services

• Archive: Northamptonshire Archives houses a vast collection of documents, maps, photographs, and other artifacts that tell the story of the county. These include parish records, estate papers, and business archives, dating back to the medieval period.
• Museum: The archive also serves as a museum, displaying exhibits that showcase the county's history. Visitors can explore topics such as the shoe industry, the impact of the Romans, and the role of Northamptonshire in the English Civil War.
• Research Facilities: Northamptonshire Archives offers a quiet and comfortable space for visitors to conduct their own research. Facilities include microfilm readers, printers, and photocopiers. Staff are on hand to assist with queries and provide guidance.
• Education and Outreach: The archive hosts educational workshops and events for schools and community groups. These sessions aim to bring history to life and inspire a love of learning in participants.
• Tourist Attraction: While Northamptonshire Archives is primarily a research facility, its engaging exhibits and fascinating collections make it a popular tourist attraction. The archive's unique insights into the county's past provide a memorable experience for visitors.

Location and Access

Northamptonshire Archives is located at Wootton Hall Park, Northampton NN4 8BQ, United Kingdom. The archive is situated just off the A428, providing easy access by car. There is a wheelchair-accessible car park on site, with additional parking available in the nearby streets. The number 19 bus from Northampton town centre stops near the archive, making public transport an option for visitors.

Featured Characteristics

Northamptonshire Archives stands out for several unique features:

• Expert Staff: The archive employs knowledgeable staff who are passionate about Northamptonshire's history. They are always on hand to offer assistance and share their expertise.
• Free Access: Northamptonshire Archives is free to enter, making it an accessible resource for all. However, donations are welcomed to support the archive's work.
• Community Hub: The archive hosts a range of events and activities, creating a vibrant community hub where people can share their interests in history.
• Preservation and Conservation: Northamptonshire Archives is committed to the preservation and conservation of its collections. Staff work diligently to ensure that the archive's holdings are protected for future generations.

Practical Information

Northamptonshire Archives is open Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It is recommended to contact the archive directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any temporary closures. The archive can be reached by phone at +44 (0)300 126 1000 or via email at [email protected]. The archive also has a presence on social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

Customer Reviews

Northamptonshire Archives has received glowing reviews from its visitors. With an average rating of 4.7/5 from 18 reviews on Google My Business, the archive is widely praised for its helpful staff and pleasant research environment. One reviewer noted that the archive is 'an excellent resource' that 'really needs more visitors.' Another commended the 'incredibly helpful staff' and the 'really pleasant research environment.'

Positive aspects mentioned in reviews:

• Helpful and knowledgeable staff
• Pleasant and comfortable research environment
• Excellent resource for historical research
• Free access and affordable parking
• Engaging exhibits and fascinating collections

👍 Reviews of Northamptonshire Archives

Guy M.

5/5

It's an excellent resource. It really needs more visitors. The trouble is it is perhaps seen as a little elitist to use and visit such a place. However, if more people used the place they could ask for more funding which could be used to help anyone with a local history interest explore the eleven miles of records they hold. This is in no way meant to decry the staff that are there. I found them friendly and helpful. I look forward to visiting again soon.

Paul T.

5/5

Incredibly helpful staff and a really pleasant research environment

Niki K.

4/5

That was an experience. I arrived and was told they were on their lunch and nobody would help me. But they did let me come in and plug in so that was good.

People were friendly enough.

But it's really far out of the way and not really accessible by public transit.

Does have wifi.

Dandy M.

5/5

Lovely kind staff who were incredibly helpful. Appreciated their advice and guidance even when they didn't have what I needed.

I loved the display they had in the foyer on Queen Elizabeth II and how she had impacted Northamptonshire over the course of her life. Very interesting reading!

Hilly J.

5/5

I have spent many hours here researching family history, the staff are always helpful & they have an efficient document ordering system A*

Marion D.

4/5

Very friendly and helpful, just not too easy to find!

Stuart L.

5/5

Fantastic place to visit for looking up all your ancestry needs in Northampton. Staff are very helpful and will do there best to help.

Thomas F.

5/5

Thanks very much for all your help .