Archive collections
Archives are records created by a person, family, or organisation, which are preserved for posterity because of their continuing historical and evidential value. These primary sources come in many different formats, shapes and sizes, and have the potential to reveal not only how the local area has changed and how people lived in the past, but also our understanding of present-day Rotherham.
Our archive collection includes:
- Minute books, ledgers, departmental records, reports and plans of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and predecessor local authorities dating back to 1328
- Admissions registers, logbooks and photographs kept by local schools, and other education institutions in Rotherham
- Minute books, staff records and inmate registers of Rotherham Workhouse
- Hospital and health care records of Rotherham Health Authority
- Business records, notably the records of Guest & Chrimes, and Beatson Clark Glass Manufacturers
- Colliery records, notably Manvers Main Collieries and Silverwood Colliery
- Groups and societies records, such as Rotherham Naturalists' Society and Rotherham Wheelers Cycling Club
- Trust and charities records, including the Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham
- Baptism registers, marriage registers and other records relating to the activities of Methodist and Non-conformist chapels in Rotherham
- Personal documents, letters, diaries, photographs and oral histories of individuals and families with connections to Rotherham
- Deeds, maps and plans recording the development of Rotherham
- Records of the York and Lancaster Regiment, as well as the personal papers of men who served with the regiment from 1881 to 1968. Selected material dating from the First World War has been digitised and can be searched on the TOM Website (https://www.theogilbymuster.com/york_lancaster_regiment_museum)
You can search and find archive material relevant to your research via the Archive Online Catalogue. (http://archives.rotherham.gov.uk/calmview/)
If you find interesting or relevant archive material via our catalogue, make a note of the reference number of the file or item you wish to view, and then contact us to book an appointment in the Archive and Local Studies Search Room via our Enquiry Form. (https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/xfp/form/207)
Please also contact us if you are unable to find what you are looking for as we are here to help!
