Archives are the raw material of history Archives are documents made or received and accumulated by an individual or organisation and kept because they answer our questions Archives tell us who we are Archives tell us what we did in the past and help us to decide what to do in the present and future Archives tell us how our ancestors lived

Archives tell us where we come from

Archives show us how the nations, organisations and communities of today developed, recording their actions, successes and failures.

Archives are our fragile and irreplaceable memory, to be treasured forever

All organisations and individuals produce records and archives in the course of their daily activities.

Archives may be on paper or parchment, they may be books or maps or plans, photographs or prints, films or videos, or computer-generated records.

They are an important and fascinating source of information for historical research. They also provide vital evidence of rights and obligations, of decisions and judgements.