The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre
Welcome to the History Centre, your passport to the past
The Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9.30am to 5pm, and on the first Saturday of the month. Whether a first-time visitor or a regular you are assured a warm and friendly welcome from our staff who are on hand to answer your queries and help you make the most of your time in the search room. Please note we are closed Good Friday (April 3rd).
Ahead of your visit you can search our online archive catalogue.
It is advisable to book your archives and local studies visit in advance by contacting us by email or telephone. If you have any problems or queries please get in touch by email in the first instance or telephone 01249 705500.
Latest News
WBR on the airways
In February I was asked by Maggie Dee at Warminster Community Radio to speak about the work of Wiltshire Buildings Record (WBR), and my particular interest in the town. The WCR studio is tucked away next to the Civic Centre, and stepping into it, I was impressed by the [...]
Archives Hold More Than Just Paper…
At the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, our collections never stop surprising us. Among the St John family archive from Lydiard House (Lydiard Tregoze, Wiltshire) is this charming 19th‑century greeting card — beautifully crafted in the shape of a fan. Fan in previous paper enclosure Previously stored [...]
A Career in Ruins – The Thoughts of a Retiring Archaeologist
Our Archaeology Service colleague, Roland Smith, retires at the end of March after a 45+ year career as a professional archaeologist. We asked Roland to write a blog reflecting on his time as an archaeologist, highlighting the best moments, and considering how the profession has changed over that time. [...]
