Cambridgeshire Archives has had its accreditation status renewed following an inspection from The National Archives (TNA).
Accreditation is the UK quality standard recognising good performance in all areas of archive service delivery.
An inspection of the service, run by Cambridgeshire County Council, took place over the summer and involved looking at everything from the environmental conditions of the document stores to exhibitions and outreach sessions on offer.
Cambridgeshire Archives, based at Ely and at Huntingdon, holds a wealth of unique historic records and other resources relating to Cambridgeshire, the former counties of Huntingdonshire and the Isle of Ely and their communities.
An online catalogue contains descriptions of over half a million documents in its care, with more being added all the time.
In total, the service holds over 1,000 cubic metres of documents weighing over 900 tons and stored on seven miles of shelving.
Those researching their family history can delve into documents like taxation records, manorial records, court records and records of the poor.
Historic Ordnance Survey maps, tithe maps, Land Value Duties maps and rate books can also be accessed.
The oldest document is the Huntingdon borough charter of 1205, which is ten years older than Magna Carta.
Other treasures held include the baptism entry of Oliver Cromwell in 1599, a letter written by Horatio Nelson from aboard HMS Victory in 1805, letters to the borough of Cambridge written by Thomas Cromwell in 1535, and the original contract with Cornelius Vermuyden in 1650 to drain the Fens.
Recent accessions to the service include the correspondence of 19th century Huntingdon MP Robert Montagu, which includes letters from Prime Ministers Gladstone and Disraeli, and a unique ‘terrier’ giving detailed information about properties in Chesterton in 1768.
Councillor Alison Whelan, Chair of the Committee for Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion, said: “I’m thrilled the quality of our archives service have been recognised once again by The National Archives.
“We have a dedicated team working to preserve Cambridgeshire’s historical documents and this is a testament to their hard work.
“Our archives are a fascinating resource, which we are always adding to, and we would encourage anyone with an interest in Cambridgeshire history to arrange a visit.”
Cambridgeshire Archives first received accreditation in 2022. Accreditation by TNA lasts for three years and is seen as an important badge of external recognition for quality services.
Those with accredited archive services can have their model adopted by other local authorities and can be contacted by others to discuss challenges that they are faced with.
You can visit Cambridgeshire Archives’ homepage here: Archives | Cambridgeshire County Council
