Presently researching the past      
                    for future generations

Located  in the High Street within the Town’s Public Library.  There are bus stops outside and parking nearby.  Toilets and restuarants are also nearby.

Visitors should ask at the Library desk for the CLHS book and sign in before proceeding upstairs.  There is currently no wheelchair access to the resource room because of the restraints of the building, but every effort will be made to secure the required information for the mobility impaired visitor.

The Local History Room houses several collections and is looked after by the Society. The collections cover a wide range of local history interest, and farther afield, including:

• The Christchurch Times newspaper (1855 to 1985) Street directories; e.g. Kellys
• Photographs
• Antiquarian books (especially strong on Dorset)
• Sales and auction particulars
• Deeds
• Accounts and invoice books of local firms
• Maps including Tithe map copies and Tithe schedule Parish register copies (part)
• Voters’ Lists 1834-1915 (part)
• Priory Records on Microfilm from 1590s to the 1870s.

The bulk of the collections feature extensive memorabilia of life in the town, much of it in manuscript form. This has been augmented by the addition of useful genealogical tools, such as the IGI, and microfilm of the Workhouse Records.

The Local History Room is staffed by a small band of volunteers on a part-time basis (and not by library staff). The Room is usually staffed at the following times :-

• Mondays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Thursdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Fridays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Note: on rare occasions it may not be possible to staff the room. Please contact the Room via Christchurch Library, Druitt Buildings, High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AW (01202 485938) if travelling an appreciable distance.

Visitors are welcome, and without them the collections would have far less value, but it is better to make an appointment than call in. If you are able to come in person, there is no charge for entry and assisting you (although a contribution to our Donations Box would be appreciated).  Charges however are made for photocopying, photography and any extended research on your behalf.  If you have an enquiry please use our enquiry form.  The Library building was the home of a prominant local family, the Druitts. James Druitt, a solicitor, had the house built for him in c.1844. It was his son, Herbert Druitt, who bequeathed it to the town, via his sister (who outlived him but implemented his wishes), in 1947. He had used it to house several tons of items of historical interest which he had collected, principally about the Christchurch area. Most of the items from his collection which were considered suitable to retain are amongst the collections. They are supplemented by further donations, especially from local photographer and author Allen White.

Contact Details :-

CLHS Local History Room
c/o Christchurch Library
29 High Street
Christchurch
BH23 1AW

Tel : 01202 48593

Inside the Local History Room: