YAHS research resources online
The Society is committed to making it easier for researchers at all levels to find information about Yorkshire’s history and archaeology online. In addition to the text, images and downloads on this website we are also offer:
1. YAHS publications on the Internet Archive
Both the Yorkshire Archaeological Journal and the Wakefield Court Rolls series continue to be published in print. Because print copies of older issues are becoming less easy to find on library shelves, to ensure that the knowledge they contain remains freely accessible the Society has republished some of them on the Internet Archive.
2. Other websites in the YAHS group
Yorkshire Industrial Heritage Online (YIHO) is a fully searchable database developed by YAHS Industrial History Section members working with industrial historians and partners from other industrial history groups across the county. It is an online repository for members' knowledge, photographs, research notes, audio and sound recording of industrial sites, artefacts and processes. It aims to build a comprehensive record of Yorkshire's rich industrial heritage and become an invaluable resource for everyone researching the development of Yorkshire's industries.
The Bradfer-Lawrence Collection is one of a number of collections which make up the Society’s archives. It now has its own website containing images and transcriptions of many documents.
Monumental inscriptions: our archive collection of Monumental Inscriptions is being transcribed by Yorkshire Indexers and can be found
3. Our partnership with Leeds University Library
YAHS collections of archives and older (pre-1850) printed books - These outstanding resources are available to anyone with an interest in Yorkshire’s history and archaeology, free of charge, in the Special Collections area of the University of Leeds Brotherton Library. Search the Special Collections catalogue.
Please note that to visit Special Collections it is necessary to make an appointment and submit a request for the particular items of interest.
Books about Yorkshire's past published more recently - Other books of potential interest to researchers have been placed on the main shelves of the Brotherton Library alongside their own very extensive holdings. This is the University of Leeds library and to gain access it is necessary to apply for a library card. Search the catalogue.
4. Downloadable documents available on this website
Further guidance concerning the content of the Society’s archives: The Wakefield Court Rolls, recognized by UNESCO as a globally important collection, are the jewel in the crown of YAHS archives. For fuller details of the court rolls’ history and an explanation of their significance, see here. [Link to Brian’s document]
Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group reports on Yorkshire buildings [link]
YAS Record Series and Wakefield Court Rolls Series A guide to all volumes in the Record Series (160 volumes of transcriptions and other texts published since 1870) and the Wakefield Court Rolls new series (19 volumes since 1977) can be downloaded here: [somewhere!]
5. A research miscellany
Much knowledge and experience gained by researchers may never reach the pages of conventional print publications. This Miscellany of otherwise unpublished items provides an outlet for short articles about aspects of Yorkshire's past.
Please note that these are included as submitted, without having been refereed or otherwise checked for accuracy by the Society. The Society does however reserve the right to refuse without comment any material offered for publication here. Potential contributors should send their work to the Society's Publications Co-ordinator by email.
Free downloads available here
6. Links to other societies and organisations
Here are some official bodies, local societies and groups with their own websites who have an interest in archaeology or local history in Yorkshire. Please let us know about any organisations you think could be included, or if any of the following links are not working.
Local authority archaeological advisory services
Local archaeological and historical societies