Local history > Local history resources

Local history

Local history resources

Berkeley Castle
Since 1153, Berkeley Castle has been the fortress home of the Berkeley family, who offer a warm welcome to visitors.
The Castle is one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain and possibly the most outstanding example of Mediaeval domestic architecture in the country.
Step into the past with a tour of the castle and its gardens, or experience history at one of the many events planned at the Castle or the Meadow. Check the calendar or our website for more information.

The revised Castle opening hours for 2008 are 11am – 5.30pm with last entry at 4.30pm. These times will apply on all public open days including Sundays. Special Event times may vary.

Public Opening Days:

  • November 29-30th Christmas Fair
  • December 5/6/7th Castle by Candlelight
Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ
Tel: 01453 810332
www.berkeley-castle.com
Email:

Domesday 1986 Project

The BBC Domesday Project created a snapshot of Britain in 1986. Originally published on laserdisc, which rapidly fell into obsolescence, the project is now available on-line.

Includes maps, photos and essays on local life.

When you visit the site, click on the round logo at the bottom to start (it's not obvious!)

www.domesday1986.com

Edward Jenner Museum
Edward Jenner is known as the man who changed the world – he was the inventor of the smallpox vaccination and the founder of immunology. He was also a country doctor, naturalist, geologist, pioneer of ballooning and medical scientist. Find out all about his life and work at the museum established in his beautiful Queen Anne home.
Open 1st April (Good Friday if earlier) to September, Tuesday – Saturday and BH Mondays 12.30-5.30pm, Sunday 1-5.30pm. Click below to visit the website for more details.

The Chantry, Church Lane, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BN
Tel: 01453 810631

www.jennermuseum.com
Email:

Francis Frith Collection
MyThornbury has partnered with the Francis Frith Collection to offer reprints of old photographs and maps.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/frith_colle...

GENUKI - Thornbury
Lots of links to historical resources for family history research.
www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/GLS/Tho...

Images of Thornbury
Visit Eric Dodd's fascinating site for many photos of Thornbury past and modern, with some excellent side-by-side then-and-now comparisons.
www.images-of-thornbury.co.uk

Old maps of Thornbury
Explore MyThornbury's collection of old maps of Thornbury and the surrounding area.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/old_maps.php

Porch House
The origins of Porch House date back to at least the fifteenth century, though it has been altered and extended over the years. It has had a varied history – reputedly being attacked during the Civil War, and serving variously as farm house, private home, butcher’s shop, accountant’s office, tailor’s shop, home of the town football team, church and priest’s house. Porch House, which belongs to the Catholic Community in Thornbury, is used by many local community groups of all ages and interests and is the venue for popular amateur dramatics and other events.
Check out our website for a virtual tour of Porch House.
www.ctk-thornbury.org.uk/PorchHouse/

Thornbury Grammar School
www.thornburygrammar.org.uk/

Thornbury Roots

This site has an excellent database of monumental inscriptions from Thornbury Cemetery and St Mary's Church, complete with photographs, and has recently added the monumental inscriptions from the United Reformed Church as well as details of births, marriages and burials from the URC registers up to about 1900.

There's a searchable database of Thornbury Trade directories, with 24 directories included, covering the period 1790 to 1939. There are also various Voter Lists, Coroners Lists, Street Directories and a gallery of old Thornbury adverts from local businesses.

Plus there are in-depth histories of Laburnum Terrace, at the top of Gloucester Road, and the area of St John Street and Pullins Green.

www.thornburyroots.co.uk

Vision of Britain: Thornbury
Historical information and statistics about the town and area from the Vision of Britain project.
vision.edina.ac.uk/place/place_pa...



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