Bristol Archives

We look after the archives of the city of Bristol and surrounding areas, as well as the British Empire & Commonwealth Collection. We make them available to everybody, free of charge.


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Visitor information

You don’t need to book an appointment to visit our searchroom. But if you do, we’ll have your first two documents waiting for you when you arrive.

From the week commencing Monday 30 June 2025, our new searchroom opening hours will be Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9.30am – 4.30pm. Please see our opening times for updates. 

Please do not visit if you feel unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms. Please respect the staff and visitors who choose to wear face coverings.

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What’s here at Bristol Archives

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Read more Bristol collections

Bristol collections

The city archives reflect many different aspects of Bristol’s history in the form of photographs, illustrations, maps and more.

Opening times for 2026

3 February 2026 — 23 December 2026

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9.30am–4.30pm
Wednesday
9.30am–4.30pm
Thursday
9.30am–4.30pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Featured posts

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Sounds Good? Meet the Sounds of the South West team

Keeping connected with the BECC online catalogue