Archives & Collections
Covering Bude, Stratton and the Surrounding Parishes
The Castle Heritage Centre Archives is based downstairs in the Heritage Centre and is led by a team of volunteers, managed by Heritage Curator, Janine King. The archive covers Bude, Stratton and the surrounding parishes, and includes a collection of original records and documents from the legal, such as deeds, wills, and contracts, through to more personal records like school reports, photographs and postcards to a collection of newspapers, books and printed media.
Our Collections
The Castle Heritage Centre, operated by Bude Stratton Town Council, is fully accredited by Arts Council England, reflecting its commitment to high standards in collection care and management. As an award-winning local hub recognized by the Cornish Heritage Awards for innovation, environmental initiatives, and community impact, the centre offers a rich mix of local history exhibits, art galleries, and public events, making it a vibrant cultural destination.
To make our collections more accessible, we’ve partnered with the Museum Data Service (MDS), which provides a searchable database of our records. While the database is mainly data-based only, it offers a detailed overview of our extensive collection, and items can be viewed in person by appointment.
Use the button to explore our inspiring collection or contact us at museum@bude-stratton.gov.uk to learn more or arrange an appointment.
Support & Donations
All artefacts have come to the Heritage Centre from an individual, a family, a corporate body or institution and are records of daily life or extraordinary decisions or events. A collections policy ensures that all items relate to Bude, Stratton and the surrounding parishes. Much of our collection has been acquired from local people and donations are most welcome. Donors can be assured that their items will be cared for in a professional manner and be may be used in future exhibitions, or research. The archive suite is open by appointment only. The archive team would be happy to help with your research inquiry. We are unable to accept donations without initial contact being made, so please email our Heritage Curator.
Archive Office: museum@bude-stratton.gov.uk
Heritage Curator: curator@bude-stratton.gov.uk or call 01288 357304 to leave a message
Our Volunteer Team
The volunteer team also support the Heritage Curator with caring for artefacts that are on display and the wider collection. The Castle Heritage Centre has professional storage facilities which are monitored regularly for pests and fluctuations in temperature and humidity. All items are given a number and catalogued using the Modes museum database. They are then allocated a space in one of our stores. The Heritage Centre is fully accredited by Arts Council England, which ensures that high standards of care are maintained.
We are always looking for volunteers to help at the front of house and inform our visitors of the wonderful history at The Castle. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please contact our Heritage Curator via email: curator@bude-stratton.gov.uk
Memory Lane Mondays
Head over to our dedicated webpages to find our more about us and our heritage.
Every month we will be introducing you to a selection of photographs in our collection that depict an area you may recognise.
Guess the year, location, and spot the changes over time as we explore the archives. Join us for “Through The Lens”, where we uncover fascinating photographic stories that reveal the rich history, transformation, and hidden details of our past.
See if you can guess what it is and how it was used in our monthly “Guess the Object” feature. We’ll then come clean on its rich past and see if you guessed correctly.
Head over to our News posts to see the latest artifact in question by clicking the button.