Archives and Local Studies

Bingham Library Trust Archive

A lesser known aspect of the Bingham Library Trust is its extensive Archive of primary and secondary sources. The collection all relates to the history and the people of Cirencester and the surrounding area.

These original documents and printed and published sources cover a wide range of subjects and reveal aspects of Cirencester’s past which may otherwise have been lost. Samples of the material contained within the collection includes records of associations, clubs and societies such as the Chess and Draught Club, the Cirencester Arts Club and Film Society, the Agricultural Associations, Archaeology, History and Natural History Associations; the Cirencester Literary and Debating Associations; records of the Bathurst family, house and park; records of local businesses, records of the Royal Agricultural College and a range of photographs, deeds and other original sources.

Through this unique and important material, the Trust is preserving the history and culture of Cirencester and gaining insight into the people, places, industries, activities and events of the historic town and area.

Since the Trust’s purpose is not only to preserve Cirencester’s heritage but also to share it, the collection is fully accessible to all. To ensure the correct storage conditions, for reasons of space and to allow public accessibility the collection is housed at the County Record Office, Gloucestershire Archives. The Bingham Library Trust’s Archive has reference number D10820. A full list of the items within the collection with a brief description can be accessed through Gloucestershire Archives’ online catalogue here.

To access the list enter D10820 into the “Finding Ref” box and then click on the search option. You have the option of narrowing your search down by adding a keyword in the appropriate box. For example adding the word Abbey produces 66 items relating to or referencing the Abbey.

Any documents of interest must be pre-ordered online, by email or telephone. Gloucestershire Archives is usually open Tuesdays to Fridays from 09:00-16:30 and on the first Saturday of each month also from 09:00-16:30. However, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, there is likely to be a much reduced service.  All information about visiting Gloucestershire Archives, pre-ordering and other regulations can be found here.

We encourage you to visit Gloucestershire Archives to use and enjoy your Archives.

Adding to the Collection

The Trust remains committed to preserving and sharing Cirencester’s heritage. The collection has the scope to grow and donations of further documents or printed sources relating to Cirencester or the wider area will be gratefully received. If you have any material to offer the Trust please contact Helen Timlin, Collections Officer at helen.timlin@danielbinghamfoundation.org.uk