First World War documents to be displayed in Northamptonshire libraries

The records, which are held by Northamptonshire County Council’s archives service, will be on display at selected libraries across the county between November 14 and 21.

The exhibition includes letters sent home from the front by Arthur Bonham from Northampton. The letters give a first hand account of life in the trenches, gas attacks and references to what would become known as the Battle of the Somme.

The exhibition is part of the national Explore Your Archive campaign, which aims to encourage people to explore the rich heritage preserved in county archives.

Councillor Jim Harker, leader of the county council, said: “Every day at the archive, staff and visitors discover new things, whether it is a will from the 15th century showing the possessions of an ancestor, or the signatures and seals of royalty, it’s all here.

“Our role is to preserve these unique documents for current and future generations to enjoy, and this exhibition is one part of that.”

The documents can also be seen at the Record Office at Wootton Hall Park, as well as the following libraries: Northampton, Kettering, Daventry, Wellingborough, Towcester, Rushden and Corby.

There will also be a small display at the Record Office showcasing records related to many of this year’s anniversaries; such as Magna Carta and the Battles of Agincourt and Waterloo.