Royal Berkshire Archives

'Our River Thames' free exhibition is now open! Come along during normal opening hours Tues-Fri, to see records displaying the importance of the river throughout modern history. If you're interested in booking a group talk or tour, contact us at [email protected]

If you tuned into BBC Radio Berkshire, you may have heard our exhibition curators Hannah and Ruth this morning giving an interview about Our River Thames! Godric came along for the ride and had an excellent time. Many thanks to BBC Berkshire for inviting us!

Have you sorted your weekly shop? These domestic accounts with 'Backen and Chees', 'Bran and Bread' and 'Cofey' are making us hungry! 🥓 🧀 🍞 ☕ This notebook is dated 1587-1744.

Eliza Chattaway of Redlands School, Reading, was a pioneer in teaching nature study. Here she is showing her pupils a field of cabbages in winter, [c.1910-1911]. Find out more about her on our blog here: bit.ly/45fZTbk #EYANature

Have you visited Our River Thames exhibition yet? There is a section about Ted Light, the lock keeper at Sonning, 1912-1946. We had too much material to fit into the exhibition so we've written a blog about his life and time in Sonning. Read it here: royalberkshirearchives.org.uk/news/article/t…

If you have visited us recently, you may have noticed that we now have a Tap to Donate station. This goes towards our Documents Purchase Fund which enables us to buy Berkshire's archives that are at risk. They can then be preserved and made accessible. We appreciate your support!

Another exciting find #InTheSearchroom while carrying out some routine cleaning. This charming volume is an inventory of the household items of J H Cope, including some wallpaper and fabric samples! 📷 D/EEg/F24

We're fundraising to catalogue our Greenham Women's Peace Camp collection. You can watch Lara talk about one of the items from this collection in a video from 'Our Favourites' exhibition: bit.ly/3rP0XSV Donate here: bit.ly/4kidMud

Collections that are new to view this month include Lloyd Enterprises of Hermitage & Newbury, builders & developers; Windsor Borough byelaws & ordinances; Reading Newspaper Company; deeds from across the county; & sale catalogues. More info in our blog: bit.ly/4lR9w60

VISITOR REMINDER: The main car park will be closed from tomorrow. Please park along the west wall of the building. A parking permit must be obtained from Reception and displayed in the windscreen to avoid a fine. More details here: bit.ly/4nMd9Mq

🚩 From next week there will be changes to our parking. Customers will need to park at the back of the building taking the first right when they enter. Permits will be issued at reception which must be displayed in cars. See our website for more details: bit.ly/4nMd9Mq?utm_so…

Earlier this year, we shared this postcard of Reading’s 1908 marathon. We then looked into it further and uncovered an intriguing back story! The race was in jeopardy before it even began and almost didn't happen. Find out more in this month's highlight: bit.ly/4eKhJqe

Resilience Grant applications close next Wednesday! Don’t miss the chance to secure up to £20,000 to build organisational resilience and develop sustainable solutions. Apply here: nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-secto…

Want to view 'Our River Thames' exhibition but can't make it during the day? Never fear, late night Thursday openings are here! The exhibition will be open until 8pm tomorrow evening (Thurs 10 July). No booking required, just turn up. Our next late opening will be Thurs 7th Aug.

Earlier this year we hosted an event showcasing the results of a project with the University of Reading seeking to 'Find George Freeman', a boy from Sierra Leone brought to Berks in 1812. A video about the event with interviews is available to watch now: youtube.com/watch?v=l6JMGZ…

Henley Royal Regatta is currently taking place. Did you know there are items relating to the regatta in our current exhibition? Come along and learn some more about the history of the regatta and view the items in person!

Bookings for our Heritage Open Days Behind the Scenes Tour are now open! This is a FREE event on Saturday 13 September at 10:30am (booking is essential). Find more details here: royalberkshirearchives.org.uk/events

As part of 'Our River Thames' exhibition, we are selling these lovely cards by local artist Rebecca Howard showcasing the Thames. An interview with Rebecca about how the Thames inspires her work is also featured in the exhibition. Come along and see for yourself! #OurRiverThames

Thank you to everyone who said hello to us at Reading Water Fest on Saturday. We enjoyed sharing craft activities and chatting about the archives. It was very hot so we are glad Godric packed his sunnies!

Another interesting map day here #InTheSearchroom ! This map, from 1756, is of the Earl of Fingal's estate in Shinfield.

We're going to be at Water Fest this year! We're busy preparing activity sheets relating to 'Our River Thames' exhibition and will be on hand to answer queries about the archive service. Come along and see us in the Abbey Ruins this Saturday! #WaterFest #WaterFest2025