The archives held by Bath Preservation Trust (BPT) document the history of BPT since it was established in 1934 and the extensive monitoring, campaigning, recording and advisory work of its committees. As well as documenting individual buildings, the archives provide information about past plans for the re-development of the city and its infrastructure and give an insight into changing attitudes to conservation.
What archives do we hold?
- Records of Bath Preservation Trust since 1934
- Photographs of buildings and streets in Bath
- Architectural plans
- Records relating to major developments in Bath
- Records of unbuilt projects in Bath
- Surveys of interior architectural features of houses
- Annual Reports from 1935 and Newsletters from 1964
- Newspaper cuttings
We also have an extensive reference library covering the history, landscape and architecture of Bath, and containing numerous works on British architectural history, eighteenth century interiors and furniture and building conservation. If you are interested in architectural history or the history of your house in Bath, there could be something in the Archives for you.
Search the Archives
Much of our archive catalogue is searchable online. You can search the online catalogue here.
Who can visit the Archives?
Anyone can visit the Archives by appointment with our Curator. The Archives are located at the Museum of Bath Architecture (the museum is currently closed). Please email archives@bptrust.org.uk for any enquiries, or to book an appointment to visit. To ensure that we can give you as much help as possible with your research, first search the online catalogue and make a note of any reference numbers for items you may wish to consult.
If you are unable to visit the archives yourself, we are able to help with research requests remotely. For more information on how we can help with your research and for record copying fees please see our Remote Research Advice. Please email archives@bptrust.org.uk for any enquiries.
Images
As the result of a partnership with the Bath In Time image website, many of Bath Preservation Trust’s extensive historic images of Bath have been digitised and can now be viewed online, and prints obtained.
Bath and Colonialism Archive Project
Bath Preservation Trust is working in partnership with Bath Abbey and Bath Record Office on the Bath and Colonialism Archive Project.
The Project aims to share information on the City of Bath’s links to the transatlantic slave trade through the Georgian copies of the Bath Chronicle Newspaper 1760-1780. The project has created supporting information on writing descriptions of archives when the original material contains racist language and some distressing content, using articles from the Georgian Bath Chronicle as case studies.
To find out more visit Bath and Colonialism Archive Project
You can now download our Finding the Words guidance on language in archive descriptions.
Other Sources of Information?
- You can also explore BPT’s Heritage at Home project, compiling a wealth of free online resources to help kickstart your research into your house’s history. You can access an online record of BPT’s recent planning comments via our website. There is a wealth of online resources available for anyone researching the history of Bath and its architecture: