Northampton history secured with major archives expansion
Drawings that designed the streets of Northampton and records of the county’s most significant life events are moving into a newly expanded home. The Northamptonshire Archives, managed by West Northamptonshire Council in partnership with North Northamptonshire Council, has completed a major infrastructure project to increase its storage capacity.
The upgrade introduces half a mile of new mobile racking, providing space for approximately 8,000 standard archive boxes. This expansion ensures the service can continue to collect and preserve the region’s historical narrative for at least another decade. The project reached completion on schedule and within the allocated budget, involving a collaboration between the council’s construction team, NDC Consultancy, Bruynzeel, and JPP UK.
Half a mile of new shelving for county records
The new mobile racking system is a direct response to the growing volume of historical data requiring professional preservation. Among the collections destined for the new space are architectural plans from Northampton Borough Architects, records from various parish councils, and sensitive documents from HM Coroner’s Service.
Key points
- Eight miles of total shelving now available across the facility
- Dedicated space for Northampton Borough Architects’ historical records
- Secure storage for Parish Council and HM Coroner’s Service documents
- Capacity secured for the next ten years of new acquisitions
This expansion follows the service receiving Archives Accreditation from The National Archives in 2024. The facility at Wootton Hall Park houses documents dating back to the 12th century, serving as the primary repository for the county’s collective memory.
Accessing the 800-year-old collection
Located at Wootton Hall Park, the archives remain a public resource for researchers, genealogists, and local history enthusiasts. The facility operates on a specific schedule to allow staff to manage the vast collection while assisting visitors with specific inquiries.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday – Thursday | 09:00 – 13:00, 14:00 – 17:00 |
| First Saturday of Month | 09:00 – 13:00 |
Residents can access the collections by visiting the site or contacting the team via email at archivist@westnorthants.gov.uk. While drop-ins are permitted, the service recommends pre-booking for those requiring specific document retrieval or detailed research assistance.
Source: West Northamptonshire Council
