Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service

The Bedfordshire Record Office, as it was formerly known, was established in 1913 by Dr George Herbert Fowler and was the first county record office in England.     

A Records management service was established in 1989 to serve the internal record keeping needs of Bedfordshire County Council. The service has become a national leader in detailed appraisal, listing and indexing of County Council archives; these are a vital 20th Century source for areas such as education, social conditions, house histories, local history through the planning process and the Fire Service.

Since 1996 Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service has been funded by a joint arrangement between Bedfordshire County Council and Luton Borough Council.

The Archive Service has recently been awarded its fifth successive Charter Mark for excellence in the provision of services to its customers. Of just over 1,500 holders of the Award, we are one of only 20 five-time holders overall. Six other archive offices hold the award, but we are the only five-time holder in our field.