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 that we will be closed on Friday 27 November. We apologise for the inconvenience. Information about opening times and planning your visit can be found on this website.
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
Treasures from History: Bringing Wiltshire’s Past to Life
In 2024, Treasures from History (formerly View the Treasures) was born from a desire to help both new and returning visitors engage creatively with the archives. What began as an exploration of our collections soon became a source of regular inspiration, as we discovered the surprisingly imaginative ways historic [...]
A Timber-Frame Discovery in Northgate Street, Devizes
Earlier this year Wiltshire Buildings Record undertook a recording of 1-3 Northgate Street, Devizes. In November 2024 no.2 Northgate Street was gutted by fire. This spread to nos.1 and 3 on either side, partly destroying the roofs and some of the attic floor at no.3. All three buildings are [...]
Showcasing HERs!
In 2023, the Government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Act established Historic Environment Records (HERs) as a statutory requirement for Local Authorities, meaning that every Local Authority must maintain a HER as a primary source of information for planning, development-control work, and land management. However, HERs are an important starting [...]
