Romsey’s MP Sandra Gidley is supporting the University of Southampton’s bid to buy the Broadlands Archive.
The university launched an appeal this week to raise the £2.85 million asking price.
The archives contain 4,500 boxes of material, which dates from the 16th century to the present day and includes papers relating to the Mountbattens, Lord Palmerston and Lord Shaftesbury.
Mrs Gidley has written to nearby Liberal Democrat peers urging them to support the cause. She said: “It would be a real shame for the South of England to lose such a valuable piece of local history “These pieces are used by residents of Romsey, North Baddesley and Nursling to explore local history and should not end up in a private collection abroad.
“Our local history must stay local so it can be enjoyed by all residents and also visitors to the area.”
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