Bath’s Record Office, which houses thousands of documents that tell the story of life in the city over the centuries, has been recognised in a national accreditation scheme for its good performance.
Gaining Archive Service Accreditation shows that the office meets national standards relating to management and resourcing, the care of its unique collections and the service provided to its users.
The recognition has come as the Record Office prepares to reopen on May 4 after a period of closure due to the national lockdown.
Based at the Guildhall, the office collects and keeps safe documents and items relating to Bath and North East Somerset and its people. In the early days its archive contained just the council’s own records, but since 1967 archivists have collected thousands of items from local businesses, families, private and public organisations.
The collections are designated by the government as being of national importance and are recognised in the City of Bath World Heritage Site Management Plan as being the bedrock of knowledge about the fabric of the city.
Around 3,000 people a year use the service ranging from students studying a specialist topic, to people researching their family tree or the history of their home.
Cabinet member for community services Cllr Paul Crossley said gaining accreditation status was testament to the team’s dedication and hard work.
“Accredited archive services demonstrate that they meet the UK standard around collections management and access to collections, showing resilience and the ability to manage changing circumstances successfully,” he added.
“It is especially notable to have achieved this award during what has been a very challenging year for our services.”
Record Office staff are replying to inquiries via email until it reopens. For more information visit www.batharchives.co.uk
