The Society exists to promote the study of Yorkshire's historical past - AGRICULTURE - ARCHAEOLOGY - ARCHITECTURE - HISTORY - INDUSTRY - RELIGION and THE PEOPLE of the historic county. The Yorkshire Archaeological Society was founded in 1863 by a group of eminent citizens to study and preserve antiquities in the Huddersfield area. Within a very few years, it had expanded to include the whole of the historic county of Yorkshire and drew its membership from many other towns and cities. Today, the Society headquarters are housed in Claremont, an eighteenth century merchant's house which has been enlarged over the years. Close to the city centre of Leeds, Claremont houses an extensive library and archive, and its own lecture room.

Specialist groups
The Society is made up of a number of special interest groups, including Aerial Photography, Family History, Industrial History, Local History, Medieval, Prehistory, Roman Antiquities. All sections can be joined independently of the parent Society and arrange their own lecture programme, excursions and field work and occasionally join with the parent Society or other societies in the area for larger meetings.

There are three publishing sections namely, Parish Register, Record Series and Wakefield Court Rolls.

The Library

The Library is open to members and non-members, and carries an extensive range of material on the county, some of which is available on loan to members only. The collection includes books, maps and photographic collections directly relating to Yorkshire, as well as an extensive collection of publications from other counties and societies and a large number of publications relating to more general topics. In addition it holds copies of the IGI and Census returns for 1881 on microfiche. Copying facilities are available for use on suitable material.

The Archives

The Archives include material donated to the Society through a number of bequests, the collections of early antiquarians and members, as well as items acquired more recently. They include a variety of material from manuscripts to field notes. The Society works closely with the West Yorkshire Archives Service in conserving and administering the archives, without their help and advice we would have a near impossible task.

 

There is a librarian and/or an archivist on duty to help visitors every day. There is no need to book when using the library, but researchers must contact the archivist prior to arrival if they wish to use the archive facilities. The archives are not normally open on Saturdays. Those wishing to use Microfiche readers should also book in advance to ensure the availability of a reader.

The Library is staffed mainly by volunteers from the several Sections of the YAS and it would be appreciated if anyone wishing to make contact with specific Sections should do so by leaving a message with The Librarian or his assistants.