Other Research Resources
Resources for the study of the history of St Albans and area
Collections of primary and secondary materials for our local history are scattered across many different archives and libraries.
This list identifies and provides links to information about the key centres.
Local Archives and Libraries
St Albans Borough Archive. This archive of over 9500 documents, is held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Recently fully catalogued.
St Albans Cathedral Muniment Room houses an extensive collection of primary and secondary source materials concerning the Abbey as a parish church and as the seat of the bishop.
St Albans Central Library Local Studies Collection
St Albans Museums. The Museum in the Old Town Hall includes a permanent exhibition of the history of St Albans: Verulamium Museum is devoted to everyday life in Roman Britain.
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS) The county’s archives service. The archive holds a huge range of historical documents, photographs, maps and records.
Hertfordshire Libraries Catalogue records materials in libraries county-wide. Registered readers have access from home to Hertfordshire Libraries: General Reference online information which includes Encyclopedia Britannica, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, etc). See also the separate note above on the Local Studies Collection at St Albans Central Library.
Hertfordshire Historical Organisations
Hertfordshire Association for Local History
Heritage Hub, University of Hertfordshire
Local history societies in Hertfordshire (courtesy of HALH)
National resources with valuable Hertfordshire content
Heritage Gateway Information from 60 resources on England's historic sites and buildings, including images of listed buildings. Includes Historic Environment Records for Hertfordshire.
The National Archives. Access to records from over 2,500 archives across the UK. The site also features guides to research and using particular types of record.
British Library The national copyright deposit library with massive collections of printed books, pamphlets, maps, manuscripts, official publications, etc. Best navigated via “Catalogues” drop down tab.
British Newspaper Archive Access online to five Hertfordshire and to hundreds more historic newspapers. Subscription service
Victoria County History - Home Page Founded in 1899 and dedicated to Queen Victoria, the VCH is an encyclopaedic record of England's places and people from earliest times. The four Hertfordshire volumes + Index vol. (1902-23) were edited by William Page, a one-time secretary of SAHAAS, and the first general editor of the VCH. These volumes have been digitised and here are links to relevant parts : VCH: Hertfordshire, VCH: Articles about St Albans, VCH: Houses of Benedictine monks - St Albans Abbey - Before the Conquest, and VCH: Houses of Benedictine monks - St Albans Abbey - After the Conquest.
The Manorial Documents Register includes Hertfordshire manors.
Connected Histories Database combining many British History digital sources, 1500-1900 (some sets require subscriptions).
Clergy of the Church of England Database (1540-1835). St Albans was in the Diocese of London; but most of the county in Lincoln.