By Cllr Jason Brock
On its 75th birthday, the Reading-based Berkshire Record Office was granted permission to adopt a prestigious new title: The Royal Berkshire Archives.
It is not just a name; it signifies dedication to safeguarding a treasure trove of historical collections linked to Royal Berkshire, including records spanning centuries – from, for instance, a 12th-century grant of land in Aldermaston to Charles I’s Charter granting rights to Reading in 1638.
These priceless documents, along with archives from Broadmoor Hospital, Reading Prison, the Thames Conservancy, and collections with Royal connections, such as the Royal Berkshire Yeomanry and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, are preserved for generations to come.
And, as an added bonus, the records of the bit of Oxfordshire that used to be Berkshire until the 1970s are to be found here too.
Indeed, the Archives also house many other records of national and regional importance – hence the shift in name away from Record Office, reflecting that the institution is now much more than a formal office of public record.
The new, and distinguished, title aptly reflects the historical significance and invaluable contributions of an institution essential to preserving our county’s rich heritage. So please indulge me while I take you on their historical journey.
County Record Offices first began to appear in the early 20th century. But our local story began on August 10, 1948, when Felix Hull assumed his role as the first County Archivist for Berkshire County Council.
He started his work in the basement of the old Shire Hall in Reading, which now stands as the Roseate Forbury Hotel, and the collections under his care expanded to adjacent vaults, now housing the Crown Court.
In 2000, the archives relocated to their current location on Coley Avenue, where the collections occupy approximately eight miles of shelving. Even this isn’t enough to continue to hold the volume of material being collected, and the Archives are currently in the process of expanding their site to ensure that they can continue as a repository of memory for generations to come.
The Royal seal of approval comes after the unanimous support all six Berkshire councils, who jointly applied for the privilege that was officially approved by the Cabinet Office. The name – which is a prestigious ‘protected title’ – reflects Berkshire’s unique status as England’s only Royal County.
I’m honoured the Royal Berkshire Archives are based in our town, but I wouldn’t want anyone to think of it as just a building where things are simply kept secure.
Importantly, anyone can visit and research their family, their neighbourhood, perhaps the history of their house… even what their local council got up to in the past.
If you want to get stuck in, you can find all the information you need at their website: www.royalberkshirearchives.org.uk.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote
