Archive and Local Studies collections

Archive Collections

The archive collections comprise the records of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and predecessor local authorities dating all the way back to 1328. We also hold donated documents such as letters and diaries, oral histories and photographs relating to local organisations, companies, schools, charities, non-conformist churches, and individuals with connections to Rotherham.

You can search for archival material relevant to your research via the Archive Online Catalogue.

Local Studies Collection

The local studies collection is made up of published or secondary source material concerning Rotherham’s past and present, dating all the way back from the sixteenth century. The subjects covered range vastly from the history of the area, local industries and coalmining, and sporting heritage, to childhood memories, ghosts and so much more!

We also have shelves and shelves of local history books, magazines, newspapers, maps and so much more. There really is something for everyone!

A few highlights from our collections:

Explore some of the highlights from the collections held by Rotherham Archives and Local Studies Service. Watch this space as new items are constantly being added to our collections!

Police record book from the Victorian Era

Delve into a police record book, containing the details and photographs of people arrested in Rotherham during the Victorian Era. Our favourite criminal is a contortionist who goes by the name Monsieur de Joint!

Scrapbook on the life of Second Lieutenant Perkin

This lovingly crafted scrapbook, renowned for reducing researchers to tears, records the life, military career, and death of Phillip Perkin, who served with the York and Lancaster Regiment during the First World War.

Notebooks kept by Dorothy Greene

Dig in and uncover the notebooks compiled by the remarkable Dorothy Greene, an archaeologist and local historian, who became the Honorary Keeper of Roman Antiquities for Clifton Park Museum.

Case register of midwife, Madge Rotherham

We hold the case register, certificates and photographs kept by Madge Rotherham, relating to her time as a midwife at Alma Road Hospital in the 1930s.

Online catalogue access

Interested in uncovering further stories from the archive? Why not try searching the Archive Online Catalogue.

Archive collecting

Publicly funded archive services like ours have a vital role within the local authority and ultimately the communities that they serve. It is therefore vital that the archive is actively collected, as well as being preserved and readily accessible. In turn, we welcome donations from organisations and individuals with connections to Rotherham.

Help fill the gaps in our collection and ensure that the stories and voices of the people and communities that make up this unique place are represented and not forgotten. Please remember- it doesn’t have to be old or dusty to become part of the archive! We also accept digital records.

If you have items that you think may be of interest to researchers now and in the future, please do get in touch by emailing archives@rotherham.gov.uk