The Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society (BGAS) was established in 1876 and has over 500 members. The Society exists to encourage and promote the historical and archaeological study of the Bristol and Gloucestershire area, and to produce regular academic publications. These include the Society’s Transactions, published annually since 1876, and the Gloucestershire Record Series. The Society also organises an extensive programme of lectures, events and field meetings each year.
In 1998 the Society’s library was moved to the Archive Room at the University of Gloucestershire’s Francis Close Hall Campus. As well as being open to BGAS Library members it is also available for use by staff, students and the public on a reference only basis at the discretion of the University Archive and Special Collections Staff.
For more information on the Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, including membership details, publications and events, please visit the Society’s web page.
Access to the Library
For current Archive Room opening hours please see the general information page.
Due to increased security at Francis Close Hall Campus, only Library members, staff and students may access the Archive Room via the external door into Quad East by holding their library card up to the panel outside the door. We advise all other visitors to the Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society Library to telephone or email in advance, and upon arrival either go to Campus Reception or call 01242 714851 for access.
Library members may borrow up to 5 books for an initial period of two months, with the option to renew for a further one month period. To become a Library member you must already be a member of BGAS. Please bring a valid form of I.D. such as a driving licence or passport, and a one-off payment of £5 to the Archive Room and a member of staff will issue you with a Library card.
Searching the online Library catalogue
The Library is in the process of being fully catalogued and can be searched electronically via the University's Library Catalogue. Click on the "Locations and Collections" icon to the bottom left of the main search screen and limit your search to "BGAS" to find items held within the Library.
Information for BGAS Library members
If the University Archive and Special Collections staff are not in the Archive Room upon your arrival please proceed to the Library and show your ID card to a member of staff who will provide access.
Items from the collection which are not reference only can be borrowed using the electronic loans system. If University Archives and Special Collections staff are not present items may be issued by staff from the Library.
Recent Acquisitions - Monographs
- Crossley, A., et. al. (eds.), Wiliam Morris's Kelmscot: Landscape and History (Windgatherer Press, Macclesfield, 2007)
- Jackson, R. & Miller, D., Wellington Quarry, Herefordshire (1986-96): Investigations of a landscape in the Lower Lugg Valley (Oxbow Books, Oxford, 2011)
- Jones, H., A Catalogue of Books in the Library at Shermershill: Largely related to Bisley and the High Cotswolds of Gloucestershire with annotations (The Shermershill Press, Bisley, 2010)
- Lewis, J. (ed.), The Archaeology of Mendip: 500,000 years of Continuity and Change (Heritage/ Oxbow Books, Oxford, 2011)
- Maitland Bradfield, R., A Syrian Archive being a study of the early churches and convents on the limestone massif, North Syria AD 324-451 and their consequence in the far west to c.540 (Derby, 2010)
- Simmonds, A. et. al., Life and Death in a Roman City: Excavation of a Roman Cemetery with a Mass Grave at 120-122 London Road, Gloucester (Oxford Archaeology Monograph No. 6, Oxford Archaeological Unit, 2008)
- Williams, A., Aethelred the Unready: The Ill-Counselled King (Hambledon and London, London, 2003)
- The Making of English Law: King Alfred and the Twelfth Century: Volume I - Legislation and Its Limits (Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, 2001)
Recent Acquisitions - Serials
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'The Accounts of Godfrey of Crowland, Abbot of Peterborough 1299-1321', Northamptonshire Record Society Vol. 45 (2011)
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Vernacular Architecture Vol. 42 (2011)
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Bishop, L. (ed.), 'The General Accounts of the Churchwardens of Chipping Campden 1626-1907', Campden Record Series Vol. 1 (The Roman Press, Broadway, 1992)
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Avon Local History and Archaeology Newsletter No. 129 (January - March 2012)
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Archaeology in Wales Vol. 50 (2011)
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Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society Vol. 77 (2011)
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Southern History Vol. 33 (2011)
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Barry, J. (ed.), 'The Diary of William Dyer: Bristol in 1762', Bristol Record Society's Publication Vol. 64 (2012)
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Barlow, J. (ed.), 'A Calendar of the Registers of Apprentices of the City of Gloucester 1700-1834', Gloucestershire Record Series Vol. 25 (2011)