Somerset Heritage Centre

Somerset Heritage Centre
Name	Somerset Heritage Centre
Established	1988
Location	Taunton, Somerset, England
Type	County archive and local studies
Owner	Somerset Council

Somerset Heritage Centre Somerset Heritage Centre is the county archive and local studies centre serving Somerset and the surrounding historic county, housing public records, family history resources, and audiovisual material. It supports research into Somerset's past, linking collections with regional institutions such as Taunton Deane authorities, Somerset Council, and national bodies including The National Archives and Historic England. The centre collaborates with museums, universities, and heritage organisations to preserve documents relating to prominent figures, estates, and events across South West England.

History

The centre was established following consolidation of county records previously held by Somerset County Council and local repositories, reflecting archival reforms influenced by standards from The National Archives and guidance from Society of Archivists predecessors. Its development was shaped by regional heritage initiatives involving English Heritage, Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society, and partnerships with universities such as University of Exeter and University of Bristol. Collections were augmented through deposits from landed families of Taunton, estate archives from Montacute House custodians, and material from parish churches across Mendip Hills and the Quantock Hills. Major acquisitions included records connected to industrial sites like Wellington mills and military documents relating to units stationed at Taunton Barracks. The centre has engaged with conservation campaigns tied to sites such as Glastonbury Abbey and archival rescue projects after flooding events that affected archives in Bath and Bristol.

Collections and Holdings

Holdings encompass civil registration records, parish registers, wills, maps, plans, and photographs documenting urban centres including Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Frome, Burnham-on-Sea, and Wincanton. The archive preserves estate papers from families associated with Hugh Sexey, materials from industrialists tied to Somerset coalfield enterprises, and business archives of firms operating in Bridgwater Docks and the Avon valley. Military collections include muster rolls and service records linked to regiments raised in Somerset such as the Somerset Light Infantry and units deployed in campaigns like the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War. Social history collections feature oral histories, trade union records, and records from healthcare institutions such as Musgrove Park Hospital and asylums formerly managed by Somerset County Council. Cartographic holdings comprise tithe maps, Ordnance Survey sheets, and estate plans relevant to landscapes like the Somerset Levels and the Exmoor National Park. Photographic and audiovisual archives include material on festivals and events such as Glastonbury Festival, agricultural shows in Somerset market towns, and film footage relating to transport on the Grand Western Canal.

Services and Facilities

The centre provides a public searchroom with access to catalogues integrated with systems used by The National Archives and regional archives networks. Conservation labs employ techniques advocated by the Institute of Conservation to stabilize paper, parchment, and photographic media. Digitisation facilities support projects with partners including The National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Staff offer advisory services to local councils, parish clerks, and custodians of parish churches such as St Mary Magdalene, Taunton. Registration and copying services accommodate genealogists using records from registers of Births, Marriages and Deaths and census enumerations, while document delivery and remote enquiry services liaise with libraries such as Somerset Libraries and museums like Museum of Somerset.

Outreach and Educational Programs

Outreach programmes include talks, workshops, and exhibitions in collaboration with cultural organisations such as Arts Council England, Somerset Museums Network, and regional history societies like the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society. Educational initiatives provide resources and sessions for schools linked to the National Curriculum history themes, working with institutions including Taunton School, King's College, Taunton, and further education providers like Bridgwater and Taunton College. Projects with volunteer groups, family history societies, and community archaeology teams have produced local studies publications and cataloguing projects in partnership with universities such as University of Plymouth. The centre hosts temporary exhibitions drawing on collections related to figures like Admiral Blake and events such as the Monmouth Rebellion, and participates in national campaigns including Explore Your Archive and Archives Awareness Week.

Building and Location

Located near Taunton town centre, the facility occupies purpose-designed accommodation with environmentally controlled strongrooms, research areas, and meeting rooms used by local history groups and trusts such as the Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust. The site is accessible from major transport links including the M5 motorway and Taunton railway station, and lies within commuting distance of regional centres like Bristol and Exeter. The building's design reflects archival best practice promoted by bodies such as The National Archives and energy management guidance from Historic England for heritage buildings.

Access and Visiting Information

The centre is open to the public by appointment, offering reader tickets and photocopying services; enquiries can be directed to staff experienced in handling records from parish churches, estates, and military units such as the Somerset Light Infantry. Users are advised to consult online catalogues and to check opening times during events such as Christmas and bank holidays observed across England and Wales. Facilities include wheelchair access, nearby parking, and links with local transport services operated by companies serving Taunton and surrounding districts. Researchers are encouraged to plan visits in advance for consultation of fragile items or for assistance with archival licences and data protection matters managed under UK legislation by agencies including The National Archives.

Category:Archives in Somerset Category:Local history of Somerset