Information sources on historic sites and monuments in Central Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Record Service collects and preserves original historic and modern written evidence, maps and plans for Bedfordshire, including Luton. Millions of documents from 1166 to the present enable people to find out about local places, buildings, trade, industry and the historic physical and social environment. Access to the archives is provided through a public searchroom.
Bedfordshire Heritage Librarywithin Bedford Central Library holds a variety of historic published and printed sources for Bedfordshire, including trade directories, old county, town and village histories, topographical works, early journals and magazines, bound volumes of newspapers and county maps.
Bedford Museum& Luton Museum deal with Bedfordshire's archaeology and social history through their collections and public displays. They help identify archaeological finds along with the Finds Liaison Officer and also provide outreach and educational services.
Other useful organisations or sources include:
The Council for British Archaeology promotes the study and safeguarding of Britain's historic environment, works to increase public interest in and knowledge of Britain's past, and provides a forum for archaeological opinion and links to many other national and local organisations
English Heritageis the Government's statutory advisory body for the historic environment. It manages hundreds of historic sites, awards grants, gives advice on Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings, and publishes archaeological reports and technical advice notes.
The National Monuments Record is a national resource for the historic environment maintained by English Heritage. It includes information on archaeological sites and historic buildings countrywide besides holding large collections of photographs, especially aerial.
The Archaeology Data Service provides long term preservation of archaeological data in digital form and makes it available over the internet. Sources include archaeological reports, excavation and other fieldwork archives, reference collections, databases and digitised journals.
Albion Archaeology is the county’s archaeological fieldwork contractor (working in partnership with Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire) which carries out archaeological projects in Bedfordshire and the surrounding region. They hold and maintain the Ceramic Type Series for the county.
Bedfordshire Archaeological Council provides a forum for archaeological societies and bodies in the county to meet together, both amateur and professional. It publishes and distributes the archaeological journal for the county, Bedfordshire Archaeology.
Bedfordshire Local History Associationpromotes the study of local history within and around the county. It provides a forum for discussion and co-operation between interested groups and individuals, publishes a newsletter and runs a variety of events.
Bedfordshire Historical Record Societypublishes material on the history of Bedfordshire, including articles, monographs and a wide variety of original records relating to the county.
Bedfordshire Virtual Libraryis an online guide to resources, including for local history and archaeology, which are available in Bedfordshire Libraries.