Northamptonshire Archives - Northampton

Northamptonshire Archives: A Treasure Trove of Historical Documents

Nestled within the scenic Wootton Hall Park in Northampton, Northamptonshire Archives stands as a beacon of historical preservation and public access to the rich tapestry of the county's past. This comprehensive repository of documents, maps, photographs, and other artifacts offers a unique glimpse into the social, political, and cultural heritage of Northamptonshire.

Main Services

• Archive Services: Northamptonshire Archives houses an extensive collection of historical documents dating back to the 13th century. These include parish registers, wills, court records, and other manuscripts that provide valuable insights into the county's history. The archive is open to the public for research purposes.
• Museum and Exhibition Space: The archives also feature a small museum and exhibition space that showcases rotating displays of artifacts and documents from their collection. These exhibitions often focus on specific themes or time periods, offering a more interactive and immersive learning experience.
• Education and Outreach Programs: Northamptonshire Archives offers a range of educational programs and outreach activities designed to engage and inspire both students and adults. These include school visits, workshops, and community events that aim to make history accessible and engaging.
• Genealogy Services: For those interested in tracing their family history, Northamptonshire Archives provides a wealth of resources, including parish registers, census records, and probate documents. Staff and volunteers are on hand to help visitors navigate these resources and uncover their family's past.
• Photographic Collection: The archives hold a vast collection of historical photographs, ranging from aerial views of Northampton to street scenes, portraits, and landscapes. These images provide a visual record of the county's social, economic, and political development.

Location and Access

Northamptonshire Archives is located at Wootton Hall Park, Northampton NN4 8BQ, United Kingdom. The archives are situated within the grounds of Wootton Hall, a Grade II listed building that was once the home of the Phipps family. The archives are easily accessible by car, with a wheelchair-accessible car park available on-site. Public transportation options include the Number 21 bus from Northampton town center, which stops near the archives. It is recommended to check the Northamptonshire County Council website for up-to-date information on opening hours and access.

Featured Characteristics

• Architectural Significance: The archives are housed in the former Wootton Hall, a striking 18th-century mansion that was converted into an archive and museum in the 1970s. The building's elegant architecture and landscaped gardens provide a beautiful setting for the archives.
• Expert Staff and Volunteers: Northamptonshire Archives is staffed by a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers who are passionate about preserving and sharing the county's history. Their expertise and commitment to customer service ensure that visitors have a positive and productive experience.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The archives strive to be accessible to all visitors. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, lifts, and a designated wheelchair-accessible toilet. Staff are also available to assist visitors with special needs.
• Café and Shop: The archives feature a small café that serves hot and cold drinks, as well as light refreshments. There is also a shop selling local history books, postcards, and souvenirs.

Practical Information

Northamptonshire Archives is open to the public Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is recommended to check the archives' website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any temporary closures. Admission to the archives and museum is free, although there may be charges for some services, such as photocopying or printing.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a valid form of identification, as this may be required for access to certain documents. Lockers are available for storing personal belongings, and a cloakroom is provided for coats and bags. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and there are dedicated research areas with computers and printers.

Positive Aspects from Customer Reviews

Northamptonshire Archives has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors, with an average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business, based on 18 reviews. Some of the most frequently praised aspects of the archives include:

• Expert and Helpful Staff: Many reviewers highlighted the exceptional service provided by the archives' staff and volunteers, who were described as knowledgeable, patient, and eager to assist visitors in their research.
• Pleasant Research Environment: Several visitors praised the comfortable and well-equipped research areas, as well as the overall atmosphere of the archives, which was described as calm, relaxed, and conducive to productive work.
• Impressive Collection: Reviewers were consistently impressed by the breadth and depth of the archives' collection, which was praised for its ability to provide valuable insights into local history and genealogy.
• Accessibility and Wheelchair Accessibility: Several visitors appreciated the archives' commitment to accessibility, with one reviewer highlighting the ease of access for wheelchair users and another praising the availability of parking for those with mobility issues.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some reviewers suggested that the archives could benefit from increased promotion and visitor engagement. However, the vast majority of visitors agreed that Northamptonshire Archives is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of the county and its people.

👍 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 .