The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre has been officially recognised as providing one of the best archive services in the country.
It has been awarded a maximum four stars in a recent assessment by the National Archives, which acts as the government watchdog for archives.
The History Centre, which is based in Chippenham and funded by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, is listed in the top 10 archives in England and Wales out of a total of 124 services across the country.
Cllr Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: “Before the History Centre was built and opened in 2007, the National Archives told us that our facility for archives was not fit for purpose.
“Today, not only do we now have a modern state-of-the-art History Centre, but also a service that is officially recognised as one of the best in the country.
“To reach this position in such a short space time, providing both excellence and value for money, is an outstanding achievement by everyone involved with the History Centre and something that Swindon should be very proud of.”
As well as considering the excellent facilities at the history centre, the assessment looked at how the service made eight miles of archives available to family and local history researchers and the centre’s high standards of customer care.
The History Centre’s programme of activities and events is delivered to more than 21,000 customers each year. Its innovative partnerships with local communities and organisations and its role in producing a heritage education service for schools and young people were also integral to it being awarded the maximum four-star rating.
For further information about the History Centre telephone 01249 705500 or go to the website: www.wshc.eu