Primary sources
A vast array of primary source material is available via the Library, online and in local archives.
Online collections
The following primary source collections can be accessed online. Some are freely accessible to all whilst others are only available to University of Bristol students and staff.
The collections are listed below by the following geographical regions and sub-divided by period:
- General resources
- Africa
- Asia
- Australasia
- Britain and Ireland
- Continental Europe
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- North America.
General resources
General online resource collections with wide global and historical scope.
Special Collections
The University's Special Collections encompass a wide range of material from different time periods and on numerous subjects.
Some material can be viewed online and you can consult physical items by appointment in the Special Collections Reading Room on the first floor of the Arts and Social Sciences Library.
Special Collections
Special Collections
The University of Bristol's Special Collections contain a vast and diverse range of materials dating from the 11th century to the present day.
Guides to using primary sources
Going to the Sources
Shows how to identify, find, and evaluate both primary and secondary sources for your own writing assignments.
The Information-Literate Historian
Guidance on how to successfully select and use sources - primary, secondary, and electronic - to carry out and present your research.
Historical Research
Practical guide covering the various stages of a history research project, from the selection of the topic and the organization and interpretation of source material, through to the completion of the written-up record.
Database research tutorial
A self-help tutorial on effective research with databases.
Finding primary sources
This guide to finding primary sources will show you where and how to find primary sources online and in print.
Finding and using archives in the UK
Our Introduction to finding and using archives in the UK guide provides further information about using UK archives for your research.