Using the Archive Service

The search room is on the mezzanine floor of the Gamble Building in St Helens town centre and continues to be accessible while renovations take place on the building. Appointments are currently available during the following times (appointments outside these hours can sometimes be made by prior arrangement).

To book an appointment, we usually require two working days' notice, a list of items you would like to access and their reference numbers; which can be obtained from the online catalogue. If you need support searching the catalogue or can't find what you're looking for then please contact us.

Email: archives@sthelens.gov.uk
Phone: 01744 671748

St Helens Archive Service, The Gamble Building, Victoria Square, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1DY.

The Gamble Building is a two-minute walk from Birchley Street Car Park, a two-minute walk from St Helens Bus Station and a five-minute walk from St Helens Central train station.

Please advise staff when booking an appointment if you have any accessibility requirements. Limited disabled parking is available outside Wesley House on Corporation Street, approximately 20 metres from the Gamble Building.

• Food and drink are not permitted in the search room.
• Please ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling documents, gloves will be provided if necessary.
• Only pencils may be used.
• Bags and heavy coats are not permitted at search room tables and must be stored in the lockers provided.
• Please follow staff instructions for handling documents and ask for advice if ever unsure.
• Some items may not be available for access as they are too fragile or are closed to the public; where this is the case, we will advise you as soon as possible.

• There is no charge to visit and view archive documents.
• Charges do apply for research services, reproduction, digitisation services, and use of your own camera/device.
• For details of our fees and charges, please see our fees and charges page.

• You may use a camera to photograph items in the search room. If doing so, you must not use the flash and will be asked to complete a copyright form.
• You must complete a copyright form if making or receiving an image or copy of any item.
• For those wishing to publish images, a licence must be obtained. Please speak to staff if you intend to publish any images taken of archive items as copyright and other restrictions may apply.
• To help preserve items, photocopying of archive materials is usually restricted.

• Electric sockets (240v) are provided for personal devices and cameras.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in the search room.

If you would like to view items but cannot visit in person, please get in touch to discuss options for remote access.