Visit to the County’s Archives


In June when archivist Victoria Savoulidis visited the History Group she extended an invitation to visit The Hold, the County’s official archive. Nine members were very happy to accept and duly set off on Monday 12th September.
The Hold, which opened its doors in September 2021, is a stunning building on the regenerating waterfront in Ipswich. It holds the bulk of Suffolk’s 900 years of history and heritage captured through thousands of documents. Research, including family history, can be undertaken in the spacious and well-equipped archive rooms. 
The group were especially interested in old maps of Benhall and Sternfield:- 


 
This map showing Benhall and Saxmundham was displayed on the wall and dated 1736. 

There is also a digitisation room where documents are scanned so that they can be viewed on line or ordered and emailed for a fee. The history group had a privileged visit to the Vault, the strong room where precious material is kept under strictly controlled conditions. A more detailed visit for the future was extended to the Group to research specific material from the archive about Benhall & Sternfield.

     
The Hold also has archive inspired displays, there was a collection of letters from the Stopher brothers of Sweffling sent during WWI. 


 
In addition, there is a shop and café as well as an auditorium and seminar room for use of students from the University of Suffolk and other organisations. 
Angela Nicholls