Local History Research

Where to start

Alcester Library and Information Centre,

If you are interested in researching local history in this area the first place to visit is Alcester Library. There is a local history section with many local history books and ADLHS publications. Editions of the local newspaper, the Alcester Chronicle, published from 1864 until its closure in 2013, are available on microfilm. There are computers available for public use which give free access to Find My Past. This is a very useful site for family history research. The Roman Heritage Centre is also located in this building.

Other useful local libraries are in Stratford, Evesham and Redditch.

Warwickshire County Records Office

This is an incredibly useful resource. There is an enormous archive of documents, maps and photographs going back centuries. There are also microfilms of not only the Alcester Chronicle but also some other long-forgotten Alcester newspapers and many other Warwickshire newspapers.. This is an essential destination for anyone researching local history in this area. See the website for opening times and to view the online catalogue.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Although the name suggests that this is all about Shakespeare, it is not. Of course, he gets a mention now and then! You will find that this centre also contains a substantial archive of local records and documents. It is also the place to look at copies of another important local newspaper, the Stratford Herald.

The Hive

Across the county border The Hive in Worcester houses both the city’s library and the Worcestershire county historical archive. There are microfilms available of the Worcester newspapers but also the Evesham Journal and the Alcester Chronicle (earlier editions only, check the website for details). The microfilm readers at the Hive have facilities for scanning and saving pages.

The Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham has a very large range of books, some of which cover this area. `This building contains the Birmingham Archive of historical documents. Birmingham newspapers are available on microfilm and often have articles of local interest.

Coventry Archives

The Coventry Archives contain a large collection of documents, some of which relate to this area. It is located in the Herbert Museum and Art Gallery.

Other on-line resources

There are numerous websites that can provide help and information on historical research, far too many to list here. Below are listed some of the most useful. If you need any further help with your research just drop us a contact form.

British Newspaper Archive

Scans of many newspapers are available to view on this website. The Alcester Chronicle can be found here, but currently only the first 49 years from 1864.

Ancestry.co.uk

Invaluable for family history research. This site can be accessed for free on the computers at Alcester Library.

Windows on Warwickshire

A great archive of photographs and maps from across the county.

Historic England

Information about historic buildings and sites throughout England.

Local History Online

A site providing lots of help with local history.

Alcester Information

Roman Alcester Heritage Centre

Alcester Town Website

Other Local History Societies and Websitesin this Area

Aston Cantlow and District Local History Society

Bidford Historical Society

Feckenham Forest History Society

Haselor and Walcote History from Walcote Farm

Henley in Arden Heritage Centre

Redditch Local History Society

Stratford Society

Studley Local History Group

Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society

Warwickshire Local History Society

Vale of Evesham Historical Society

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The images on this site are used by kind permission of the owners and must not be copied or otherwise re-used without the express permission of the Society.

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Contact Us

Copyright

The images on this site are used by kind permission of the owners and must not be copied or otherwise re-used without the express permission of the Society.

Website Design by Alaunaweb