The Royal Berkshire Archives exists to collect, care for, share and promote the rich archival heritage of the Royal County. We want to remember, celebrate and appreciate the things that make Berkshire special.

We will:

• Acquire a comprehensive selection of archive materials for Berkshire people and places, ensuring our collections reflect past and present life in the Royal County and inspire pride within its communities
• Provide safe-keeping for these materials through appropriate storage, collections care and information, so that the county’s history is looked after sustainably for the future
• Respond to the opportunities of providing access through technology
• Offer worldwide digital resources and a visitor experience to explore and research the collections
• Engage people by telling the story of the county’s past, and enabling direct contact with the collections for learning and enjoyment

Our job is to locate and preserve archives and records relating to the Royal County of Berkshire and its people, and make them available for all to research.

Part of our function is one of democratic accountability. We store the records of public authorities like councils, hospitals and courts, so that members of the public can see how decisions were made. We also have a cultural remit. We act as an historical memory of Berkshire, enabling research for business, leisure or scholarly interests. We were established in 1948, and are run as joint service for the six district councils that provide local services in Berkshire.