Berkshire Record Office granted permission to adopt a new title of the Royal Berkshire Archives

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Berkshire Record Office has been granted permission to adopt a new title – the Royal Berkshire Archives.

The Royal seal of approval comes after the unanimous support of all six Berkshire councils who jointly applied for the privilege, and which has now been officially approved by the Cabinet Office.

The new name reflects Berkshire's unique status as England's only royal county and the title acknowledges the historical significance and contribution of the archives to preserving the history and heritage of Berkshire.

The invaluable collections in the archives include historical records from public authorities and private organisations dating from the 12th century to the present day.

They include a grant of land in Aldermaston written between 1156-1164 and Charles I’s Charter granting rights to Reading from 1638.

These are stored alongside the archives of Broadmoor Hospital, Reading Prison and the Thames Conservancy and collections with a Royal connection, such as those from the Royal Berkshire Yeomanry and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

The name will formally change on Thursday (August 10), which marks the 75th anniversary of when the archives first opened to the public.