The Friends of Gloucestershire Archives charity was founded nearly 30 years ago to support the work of Gloucestershire Archives.

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The Archives look after the historical documents of the counties of Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, including the records of the Diocese of Gloucester.  It is one of the largest county archives in the United Kingdom.  Documents, dating from the 1100s, are stored on over eleven miles of shelving located in purpose built, climate controlled, strongrooms.  The documents, and photographs, are a priceless record of Gloucestershire's history.  Over ten thousand visitors come to the Archives each year to research family, local or national history, and thousands more access its website.

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The Friends is a registered charity and raises funds so that the Archives can obtain documents and equipment beyond the scope of statutory funding. Members come from all over the world but those living locally have the opportunity to attend regular talks and to participate in visits to places of historical interest.

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