Northamptonshire Archives Service
Explore more than 800 years of Northamptonshire’s history through written records, maps, drawings and photographs held at Wootton Hall Park.
Visit the archives serviceUse these links to find records, collections, research support and groups with knowledge of particular places or subjects. External websites open in a new tab.
Archives & heritage partners
Places to begin when you want to consult original records, explore collections or discover county heritage.
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Discover local history, archaeology, art and the museum’s nationally significant footwear collection in the centre of Northampton.
Visit the museumChester House Estate
Explore a nationally significant heritage site in Irchester with evidence of more than 10,000 years of human activity.
Visit Chester House EstateNorthamptonshire Heritage Forum
Find museums, galleries, historic houses, heritage sites and societies across the county through this supporting network.
Visit the Heritage ForumCounty-wide & specialist bodies
Organisations supporting research, preservation and public interest across Northamptonshire.
Northamptonshire Record Society
Historical publications, research support, a specialist library and the journal Northamptonshire Past and Present.
Visit websiteNorthamptonshire Archaeological Society
Promotes the study and appreciation of archaeology and history in the county through publications, lectures and visits.
Visit websiteNorthamptonshire Family History Society
Resources and support for family-history research in Northamptonshire, including local records and member projects.
Visit websiteNorthamptonshire Battlefields Society
Researches, promotes and helps to preserve Northamptonshire’s battlefield heritage, including Naseby and Northampton.
Visit websiteNorthamptonshire Industrial Archaeology Group (NIAG)
Explores the county’s industrial heritage through meetings, fieldwork, publications, reports and photographic records.
Visit websiteNorthamptonshire Gardens Trust
Researches and helps to protect the county’s historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes.
Visit websiteNorthamptonshire Historic Churches Trust
Supports the preservation and repair of churches and chapels of historic and architectural interest across the county.
Visit websiteNorthampton Transport Heritage
Preserves historic public-transport vehicles and archive material connected with road and passenger transport.
Visit website
Northamptonshire Natural History Society
The Northamptonshire Natural History Society has been part of the local community since 1876. For 150 years, we have been recording and preserving Northamptonshire’s fascinating natural and local history, with collections including fossils, historic photographs, journals and records gathered over generations. Our History Section meets at the Humfrey Rooms, Northampton, NN1 1LD, on the last Thursday of each month at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome – you don’t need to be a member or an expert to come along.
Local historical & heritage societies
Browse by area to find organisations researching and sharing the history of towns, villages and districts.
Great Addington History
Great Addington History explores the story of this Northamptonshire village, its people, buildings and Nene Valley landscape from the Iron Age to the modern day. The site includes material on archaeology, village buildings, maps, All Saints Church, transport and life through different historical periods.
Northampton & Central
- Duston History Society
- Cogenhoe & Whiston Heritage Society
- Kingsthorpe Local History SocietyA current public website has not yet been verified.
- Billing History GroupA current public website has not yet been verified.