Local solicitors, Thatcher and Hallam, are at the heart of an amazing initiative which will not only ensure that the unique Midsomer Norton Tithe Map of 1822 they hold will be preserved for future generations to enjoy – but their generosity will also mean that many more people will be able to see the historic document.

Thatcher and Hallam LLP have been working for the Town Council over the last twelve months on the creation of Midsomer Norton's new Town Trust and Community Trust, which have been highlighted in the local press.

What is less well known, is that as part of the Town Trust, there will be a new Midsomer Norton Town Archive, where precious documents relating to the town's history will be carefully stored and catalogued, so that local people wanting to find out more about where they live can access a wealth of information.

"We're delighted to be the first to pass an item to the Midsomer Norton Archive. The map which we have looked after for many years will be of interest to a wide range of people, ranging from keen historians to local people simply wanting to see what Midsomer Norton was like in the early nineteenth century," said George Persson, a Partner at Thatcher and Hallam.

The Tithe Map is probably one of the most important documents to survive from the period, as it details all the land and buildings in the town in 1822 and would have been used as a basis to calculate amounts paid by landowners to the church. Tithes were effectively like today's system of local rates.

The map, which measures almost two metres by one metre, is a unique, hand drawn document and is in remarkably good condition considering its age. However, thanks to Thatcher and Hallam, the map has been scanned at local design agency 'The Whole Story' at Peasedown St John and can now be reproduced.

The plan is to have a full- size copy framed in the Town Hall and for smaller copies to be printed and sold to raise money for the new Midsomer Norton Archive.

"The inspiration for the Town Archive came from the first President of the Midsomer Norton Society, David Fisher, who died last year. It is so fitting that this new store of historical reference material has been dedicated to his memory, with the permission of his wife, Brenda. He had a passion for local history and inspired so many people by sharing his knowledge of the town. I know he would have been so delighted to see this project come to fruition," said Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.

Volunteers will begin creating the necessary filing systems in the coming months, with a view to preparing for the archive to go live.

Radstock Museum recently ran a course for members of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Midsomer Norton Society – sharing the museum's skills in archiving.

The new archive has made it clear that it will only be focusing on documents and photographs and has already formed a strong collaborative relationship with Radstock Museum. For further details, visit: http://www.midsomernorton">www.midsomernorton communitytrust.co.uk