Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre gets ready to open its doors

The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre is preparing to open up to visitors later this month with some new ways to access the site.

The centre, which is a focal point for heritage services in the county, will open on Tuesday 25 August with new rules to ensure social distancing is observed.

People will need to book their visit via the History Centre's website, by email or telephone in advance and wear a mandatory face covering in the building.

For those wanting to order documents from our 8 miles of archives, the centre will ask for at least one week notice. It won't be possible to browse all of the library collection and indexes, so people must order any items they wish to see in advance. The centre is following the National Archives guidance to ensure materials are safely shared and stored.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Cabinet Member for Heritage, said: "The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre is one of our treasured sites which holds a wealth of important historical material. I am delighted we can announce the date it can finally open again and I'm sure this will be good news for many.

"The measures put in place follow the latest public health advice and will ensure those visiting can do so safely."

The new opening hours for the centre will be Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 5pm. The centre will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday until further notice.

Further details and booking information is available on the WSHC website at www.wshc.eu