Opening Hours
Pre-booked visits only, Tuesday to Friday. Subject to staff or volunteer availability. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
Free for WANHS members, usual Museum admission charge for non-members.
Assisting your research
To help us assist you with your research, please contact us in advance to indicate your area of research and to book a visit - archive@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk.
Letting us know in advance means that we can be prepared for your visit and help you make the most of your time with us.
Online Catalogues
Most of our collections are now online.
PDF Catalogues of Journals and Newspapers can be downloaded.
Some material, including natural history journals and rarely consulted books, are stored offsite. If you let us know in advance about the topic you are researching, then we can arrange to have material ready for you.
The map collection is currently being catalogued and will be available online soon.
Collections
The collection consists of rare and unique material such as the 1628 illuminated copy of the Devizes charters, works and manuscripts by William Stukeley, William Cunnington, John Aubrey, Richard Colt Hoare and John Britton.
We also hold some parish record transcripts, sale catalogues, poll books, local history books, photographs and newspapers.
Planning a Visit
The Archive & Library operates an appointment system. Please let us know about the subject you are researching and provide us with a list of materials you wish to consult by completing and emailing a Document Request Form preferably two weeks in advance. We can then prepare for your visit, identify relevant documents, and help make the best use of your time while you are here. Please e-mail archive@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk. You can use our online catalogues to identify resources for your research.
Registration
Non-members will be asked to register when they first arrive. Please bring a form of identity giving name and address / photograph such as:
- Recent bank statement
- Driving Licence
- Recent official bill / invoice
Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society (WANHS) members must present their membership card / proof of membership.
Please note that pencils must be used in the Reading Room. We also provide lockers for coats and bags.
Charges
There is an admission charge, which includes entry to the Wiltshire Museum.
WANHS members are entitled to use the Archive & Library free of charge. Visit the Support Us section for costs and how to join.
Photography, Photocopying & Digitisation
- Cameras: You are welcome to take photographs with your own camera if images are for personal use (not for publication or websites). We will ask you to sign a copyright declaration form when you arrive.
- Photocopying: 20p per page. Please note that with the exception of Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine, we cannot photocopy collection items dating from before 1900.
- Photocopying (by post): £5 + 20 per page (plus VAT)
- In-House Scanning: £20 (£10 concessions) (plus VAT)
- In-House Digital Photography: £20 (£10 concessions) (plus VAT)
Please note that you should make an appointment in advance to research using items from the Paintings, Prints and Drawings Collection. Please see the Research pages for details.
Other Services
There is no charge for initial email enquiries. Please note that replies may take up to two weeks. Staff can carry out more detailed research at a cost of £15 (plus VAT) per hour.
We welcome visits by academic, student or local history groups. Please contact us to arrange this in advance.
