Local history

Oxfordshire History Centre offers many resources to help you start and develop your research

If you are interested in the history of Oxford or one of the many towns and villages within the county, then here is a guide on where to start to discover what we hold.

Where to begin

Some Oxfordshire History Centre archives and local studies collections have been digitised and are available online. They can be accessed via www.oxfordshirehistory.org.uk, a single easy-access portal for digitised content from Oxfordshire History Centre and useful websites for Oxfordshire local history research.

Our online catalogues Heritage Search and Picture Oxon allow you to search by place or locality across all our collections for resources held at Oxfordshire History Centre.

Please also see our Catalogues page for links to other catalogues and handlists.
In the searchroom you can find:

  • catalogues of original archive material including catalogues of some collections not listed online. See our Guide to Oxfordshire History Centre archive catalogues (pdf format, 882 KB 
  • an extensive place name card index to the archive collections, including maps 
  • a selection of local history books, journals, photographs and illustrations for browsing 
  • local newspapers on microfilm and Oxford City Engineer’s Deposited Building Plans 1875-1921 on microfiche 
  • computers which provide access to subscription websites and other online indexes and databases 
  • staff on hand to give you help and advice.

Printed resources

If you are starting some local history research, then finding out what has already been published is a good place to begin. Oxfordshire History Centre holds an extensive collection of books and pamphlets on the local history of Oxfordshire, ranging from the works of 19th-century local historians to recently published material.  The Oxfordshire volumes of the Victoria County History provide an authoritative introduction to the history of Oxfordshire, with detailed information about the city, University and short histories of parishes.  Many volumes are digitised on the British History Online website.

Articles written on the local history topics, can be found on our newspapers, periodicals and directories page.

Archive collections

Oxfordshire History Centre holds a wide variety of original archival material relevant to local history research.

Maps

Maps are a good starting point for researching local history as they show development over time.  A comprehensive range of Ordnance Survey and many historic maps can be accessed through the Heritage Search mapping platform where you can view multiple layers of historic and modern mapping of Oxfordshire. Many of these maps are accessible online at home.

Our archive collections include original enclosure, tithe and estate maps which pre-date the Ordnance Survey. Estate maps became popular from the 16th century, enclosure maps date from the late 18th century and tithe maps date from the 1840s. Please note we do not have these maps for every parish, so please check before visiting.

For further information on maps held in our collections, please see the guide to maps.

Photographic images and oral history

Many images are available to search online at Picture Oxon.  Some images are only accessible in the searchroom.  There are browsers containing copies of selected images available on the open shelves, which are arranged by subject and place.  The microfiche of the “Oxfordshire County Libraries Photographic Collection” which are arranged by place or by street, college or institution for Oxford city, is available in the searchroom,

Oral history collections are available to search in our online catalogue Heritage Search. Visitors to Oxfordshire History Centre and Oxfordshire Libraries can listen to digitised recordings on site.

Enquiry and copying services

The History Centre runs an enquiry service to help you with your research, or to prepare for a visit.  It is also possible to purchase copies of some material. Please contact us about this for more details.

Where else to look

There are lots of sources of information that can help you find out about local history and the following list of organisations includes links to their own websites for further information.

Local History Societies

Many towns and villages in Oxfordshire have local history groups that are interested in researching their local area.  As well as undertaking local research projects, they may organise an annual programme of talks, publish a newsletter, articles or books on their history, or even run a local museum or community archive.

Most local groups are members of the Oxfordshire Local History Association and you can search for a local group via their website. There are also Oxfordshire-wide organisations such as the Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society.

Oxfordshire Libraries

Many public libraries hold collections of books and other items that have been published about the local area and provide access to online local history sources too. You can search the library catalogue online. Libraries vary in size and the amount of material they hold so always check opening times and availability before visiting.

Oxfordshire museums and galleries

There are about 40 museums in Oxfordshire, many with collections related to local history including The Oxfordshire Museum.

Adult Learning

If you wish to take your interest in local history further and develop your research skills, you may wish to follow an adult education course, either by attending a class locally or enrolling on an online course.  The Department for Continuing Education, Oxford University provide a range of local history courses.

Other counties

Prior to 1974 the Vale of White Horse area was part of Berkshire, not Oxfordshire. The Oxfordshire History Centre does hold published local history on this area but historic records for the area remain with The Royal Berkshire Archives.
If you are researching a local area on the border of Oxfordshire, you may also find useful sources of information in the local libraries or archives of neighbouring counties. County archives for areas adjacent to Oxfordshire are:

More information

If you require any further information on where to start your research relating to Oxfordshire local history, then you can contact the Oxfordshire History Centre enquiry service.