THE National Archives have awarded a grant to Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service (WAAS) to catalogue a collection of the Lyttelton family archives, and the county council is searching for a qualified archivist to work in WAAS at The Hive on a 12 month project.

The Archive Service is based at The Hive, however this work will be countywide and include activities during the coming year.

The collection includes the manuscript of the first county history of Worcestershire, written by Thomas Habington in the early 1600s, a significant document in the early years of historical writing.

During the eighteenth century the Lyttelton family had links with the West Indies, America and the court martial of Admiral Byng in 1756. Later family members were closely linked with Gladstone and leading late Victorian politicians and socialites.

The papers include details of the estate at Hagley and the international activities of the Lytteltons, now Viscount Cobham, as governor of Jamaica and a 'founder' of the New Zealand state.

Adrian Gregson, archival policy and collection manager, said: "The award by The National Archives demonstrates their faith in the new Archive and Archaeology Service at The Hive and also the significance of this collection.

“Only a limited amount of money is available each year, through the Pilgrim Trust, for cataloguing archives and we are very pleased to have been identified for the grant. We hope to involve local people and schools in understanding how this family from Worcestershire could have such wide ranging and important connections."

Anyone interested in applying for the post should contact Dr Adrian Gregson, Archival Policy and Collections Manager, WAAS, The Hive, 01905 822866. The closing date for applications is January 28.