Bath Trades Union Council (also known as Bath Trades Council) was founded in 1891 to strengthen and support the cause of trade unionism in the city and district of Bath. Composed of delegates elected from local branches of trade organisations, by 1908 groups affiliated to the Council included bookbinders, bricklayers, miners, engineers, railway workers, musicians and shop assistants.

The collection mainly comprises a set of handwritten minute books recording the Council’s operations, priorities and achievements over time. A huge range of subjects relating to the working life of the city of Bath, from disputes with employers and poor relief to housing and tram fares, is documented.

The collection was donated to the University of Bath by Bath Trades Union Council in 2023.

Size: 3 boxes, 41 items.

A catalogue providing full details of the contents of the Bath Trades Union Council Collection is available in PDF format.