Royal Berkshire Archives

28/08/2026

Kinda chic ✨

27/08/2026

Are you heading to Reading Festival this weekend? Check out this month's highlight to find out more about the festival, and how records come to the archive!

https://bit.ly/3U9QwHo

26/08/2026

Can you spot the dog in this photo? 🐕‍🦺
We thought this extra fluffy candidate was perfect to share on International Dog Day/National Dog Day!

24/08/2026

We found lots of surprises when recently cataloguing the scrapbooks of the Maidenhead Motor Cycle and Light Car Club! Including a burnt candle and a bit of a plant!🕯️🪴

21/08/2026

How many books does one archivist need to prepare for an exhibition about Agatha Christie? The answer: more than you can see in this picture! Find out how many books were really consulted by coming along to our new exhibition opening in a month's time on Tuesday 22nd September.

20/08/2026

Raise your hand if you remember Heelas (and maybe still call John Lewis Heelas) 🙋‍♀️

We found this amazing photograph of Heelas on the Broad Street, Reading, from 1929!

19/08/2026

We've been busy getting ready for our Heritage Open Days tour here at the RBA! Here's a little sneak peak of some items you might see if you're coming along! 📖

Unfortunately, both our 10:30am and 12pm tours are now fully booked but if you are interested in joining the waiting list for either, please email us at [email protected]!

18/08/2026

Part 2 of our series looking at the diaries of Winifred Hoyle is now out. Want to know more about the injuries and illnesses this family suffered? Read the blog here: https://bit.ly/4woTeGa

18/08/2026

In case you missed it, here’s an article featuring our archivist Lisa!

The House of Mercy in Windsor was one of the leading institutions of its kind in Victorian England, set up as refuges for "fallen women".

Find out more about its history here: https://bbc.in/4ziT6L5

14/08/2026

Is anyone heading off on a summer holiday anytime soon? ☀️ We've been having a look through our collections to discover where people from the past spent their holidays. The Sisters from the Community of the Companions of Jesus the Good Shepherd went to Bathsheba, Barbados in c.1960s, whilst Evelyn Dickinson and friends enjoyed a holiday in Wales, c. 1930! I don't know about you, but I know where I'd rather end up! ✈️ 🏖️