Local history

Lending collections of local studies material are held in all libraries and reference material is kept in some of the larger libraries. The main reference collection of local studies material is held at the Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre, while a smaller collection is kept at Gillingham Reference Library.

This includes the following local studies material for Gillingham:

• archive files on local events and people, e.g. Will Adams, Louis Brennan, James McCudden (www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/mccudden1.php) and the Fireman’s Wedding Tragedy;
• Census 1841-1901 (including surname index);
• Chatham News (1859 to date)
• electoral registers;
• Ordnance Survey and tithe maps;
• parish records;
• photographs and prints;
• printed books;
• street and trade directories.

Planning your visit

Public access computers are available, providing internet and word processing facilities. Photocopying, scanning and printing services are also available.

Many resources, such as newspapers, parish directories and other directories, are available on microfilm or fiche. Visitors are advised to phone in advance, therefore, to book a microfilm or fiche reader. If you are planning to visit the library from a distance, it is advisable to phone, write or email in advance to check what is available.

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