The Gage Archive contains thousands of documents, books, postcards, maps and photographs on the Forest of Dean.  It is open for research on family history (ancestry), local history and a variety of topics on the Forest of Dean on WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS. Our team of volunteer historians will be pleased to help anyone with their research.

Please note that the Gage archive is not a library that you can browse through but an archive where we bring out items for you. Please email or phone ahead at least 2 weeks for an appointment. Space is limited and we try to spread appointments so that we have time for all enquirers. 

 

Admission

By appointment only. Normal admission charges apply - a visit to the Dean Heritage Centre Gage archive is included in admission price.

 

Archaeology 

Dean Heritage Centre is the designated regional repository for archaeological archives in the Forest of Dean. The Dean Heritage Centre also collects amateur archaeological finds and treasure finds. 

 

Mining 

The Dean Heritage Centre archive includes books on mining in the Forest of Dean plus photographs, documents, oral histories and plans of colliery sites and buildings, and colliers working in mines. We do not hold extensive employee lists for all mines, but we do hold the Northern United employee record and a copy of the Princess Royal employee record for 1935-37. Please ask for more details on mining. 

 

Enquiries

Enquiries can be answered by email & telephone & by visiting us. In this case donations are greatly appreciated. We are a not-for-profit independent museum and donations help us run the Dean Heritage Centre and look after our collection.

 

We suggest the following as a guide: 

• No information found - FREE

• Research undertaken less than half an hour - FREE 

• Research undertaken for 1-2 hours - £5-£10 

• Research undertaken for over 2 hours - £20 

  

Reproduction Charges 

The Dean Heritage Centre charges for any paper or digital reproductions to cover costs of staff time, resources, and materials. These are listed in our Reproduction Policy. Please ask for further information. 

 

Contact 

For any enquiries about the collection, donations, archaeology, object identification, research projects, educational interests, local history, and family history please contact Collections Officer Nicola Wynn at 01594 822170 or email Nicola@deanheritagecentre.com