Information about some of the items that we hold can be found on this website by carrying out a simple search – just put one or more words into the search box to see records that may be of interest. 

Below are some highlights from our collections. Please note records are not comprehensive for all our collections so you will not always find records relating to the subjects mentioned.  We are however constantly updating both our records on site and this website.

Our collections relate almost exclusively to the local area, except for the wide ranging and nationally significant Nelson collection.

Our archaeology collections are extensive as a result of local excavations.

Our social history collections mainly consist of material reflecting the history and way of life of the towns and surrounding agricultural and rural areas.

Of particular local interest are items relating to aspects of the town’s past industrial and commercial life and people’s education and leisure activities.

Significant collections include Basil Jones’ Grocery Shop, items from Chepstow and District Hospital, the Cobb Collection, the Nelson Collection and the Rolls Collection. 

Also well represented is Salmon Fishing on the Wye – including a traditional stop net boat and watercolours of the Wye.

Our costume collections are extensive and include a Banyan – an 18^th century gentleman’s dressing gown, with a rare 17^th century Assamese woven lining. The British Museum’s 2016 exhibition on Krishna in the Garden of Assam gives a good description about the Vrindavani Vastra textiles. The collection is particularly strong in women’s costume of the late 19^th century and 20^th century material with local connections.

We also hold the Edgar Collection – Robert Edgar was a local tailor and outfitter.

Our paintings, drawings and prints relate to local people, places and landscapes.

We hold large photographic collections of locally relevant material, including business and industry, ship and bridge building, streets, buildings, churches, shops, public houses and schools.