PEOPLE will be able to access archives dating back to the 16th century thanks to a grant worth more than £22,000.
The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre secured the £22,700 grant from the National Cataloguing Grants programme.
It will help archivists catalogue the historic archives of the Earls of Radnor, including letters by George Washington, Horatio Nelson and Queen Elizabeth I.
Other exciting finds in the collection include several 16th century letters from Thomas Cromwell, the senior official of Henry VIII responsible for the dissolution of the monasteries.
The collection will be of interest to anyone researching either local or family history and the aim is to catalogue the archives from April making them available to all online.
Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for culture, Coun Stuart Wheeler, said: “This is excellent news for Wiltshire and Swindon and for the thousands of people who use the centre’s services from across Britain every year “I am delighted we have received this funding so these important archives, which give a real insight into important events in the past, can be made available to all.”
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