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.


Visit our online catalogue

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.

The searchroom is open on Tuesdays to Fridays, 9.30am – 4.30pm and the first two Saturdays of each month, 10am – 4pm.

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.

Plan your visit Contact us

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 2023

28 January 2023 — 21 December 2023

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
9.30am–4.30pm
Thursday
9.30am–4.30pm
Friday
9.30am–4.30pm
Saturday
Closed
Open 10am - 4pm on the first two Saturdays of the month
Sunday
Closed

Featured posts

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Decolonising the Bristol Archives catalogue

Black Bristolians – evidence in the archives