Lancashire Archives and Local History
Lancashire Archives and Local History, based in Preston, is the main centre for preserving the documentary history of Lancashire and the people who have lived here. The service collects and cares for historical records created by local government, churches, businesses, organisations and private individuals. Together these archives form an extraordinary record of life in the county stretching back many centuries.
The collections include a wide variety of material such as parish registers, estate papers, maps, photographs, school records, council minutes, and documents relating to local industries and communities. Many of the records date back to the medieval period, while others document more recent history.
As well as preserving these records, the archive service makes them available to the public. Researchers, family historians, students and local residents regularly visit the search room in Preston to consult original documents. The archives also provide catalogues and guidance to help people find information about their homes, families, local places and the wider history of Lancashire.
In this way, Lancashire Archives acts as the county’s collective memory. By protecting historic records and making them accessible, it helps ensure that the stories of Lancashire’s towns, villages and communities — including places such as Walton-le-Dale — are not lost.
Explore Lancashire Archives:
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/archives-and-record-office
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Heritage Open Days 2024 – Lancashire Archives & Local History
The blog post describes a visit to the Heritage Open Days in September 2024, with a particular focus on a behind-the-scenes tour at Lancashire Archives & Local History in Preston. During the event, visitors were given rare access to the archive vaults, where centuries of Lancashire’s documentary heritage are preserved. The article reflects on the experience of seeing sealed historical documents and highlights what the archives offer researchers and visitors, including access to original records, microfilm, local history books, and digitised sound archives. It also explains practical details about visiting the archives, such as opening hours, booking documents in advance, and registering for an Archives Card.
https://www.mylancs.uk/2024/10/heritage-open-days-2024-lancashire.html
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