Gloucestershire Archives and Heritage Hub

Archival research is central to History student training and practice. In addition to visits to a number of small depositories in Cheltenham, Level 5 History students make a formal visit to Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, which is home to the county record office. The Hub is one of the largest regional archives in the UK, and home to some fascinating collections and UNESCO World Heritage documents.   

Students are given a behind-the-scenes tour of the archive holdings. They are instructed on how to search the online catalogue and how to make best use of the collections. They are provided with hands-on access to files relating to their own project work. Our undergraduate and postgraduate students make extensive use of the archive collections as part of their independent research and for work contributing to the Cotswold Centre for History and Heritage.

Every year, History students are given the opportunity to arrange placements and internships at the Heritage Hub and to assist the archivists in organising special events. This offers our students useful experience when it comes to thinking about their future employment prospects.

HM5400 student, Kaitlyn, who plans to pursue a career in archive work, notes that “Working in the Archives has given me a better understanding of the day-to-day work of an archivist… The placement has also helped me improve a variety of skills”.