Visiting the Archive Service
Visiting the Archive Service
As part of the Gamble Building's restoration, the Archive Service will be closed from Friday 28th November 2025 at 5pm and will re-open on Monday 5th January 2026 at the World of Glass.
The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St Helens, WA10 1BX.
You can still contact archive staff by email, archives@sthelens.gov.uk, or by phone on 01744 671748.
Archive Service - contact details
Email: archives@sthelens.gov.uk
Phone: 01744 671748
New address from Monday 5th January 2026 will be The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St Helens, WA10 1BX.
Parking and public transport
The World of Glass is situated next door to St Helens Bus Station and a five minute walk from St Helens Central Train Station.
Parking at The World of Glass -
The Car Park prices are below:
10 minutes: FREE
1 hour: £1.00
2 hours: £1.50
Up to 4 hours: £3.00
12 hours: £5.00
Payments of cash or card are taken at the payment machine at the entrance of our building. You can also use the Ringo app.
Use the link to find out about the services to St Helens Central, St Helens Central Station (merseytravel.gov.uk)
Accessibility
Please advise staff when booking an appointment if you have mobility issues.
Handling documents
- 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.
Copying and licensing
- 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 restricted.
Remote access
If you would like to view items but cannot visit in person, please get in touch to discuss options for remote access.
Fees and charges
There is no charge to visit the archives and view archive documents.
Charges apply for research services, reproduction, digitisation services, and use of your own camera / device.
Please see below for full list of fees and charges.
Digitisation and Reproduction
Research use | £7.00 minimum (£5.00 admin charge, £2.00 per image) |
Commercial use (small publications and regional media) | £15.00 minimum (£10.00 admin charge, £5.00 per image) |
Commercial use (commercial publications and exhibitions) | £30.00 minimum (£10.00 admin charge, £20.00 per image) |
Commercial use (broadcast and film) | £100.00 per image, inclusive of admin charge |
Image credit must always be displayed for St Helens Archive Service.
Use of own device
Photography permit (for research or private study) | £3.00 per day £10.00 per week |
Research
Research work (per enquiry) carried out by staff on your behalf (Research Policy will be provided) | First 30 minutes is free, then £25 per hour. |
Other
Private Right to Buy enquiries | £25 |
Payment can be made by cash, cheque or card. Card payments can be made over the phone. Cheques should be made payable to: 'St Helens Council'.
It may not always be possible to provide an accurate quote for the price of research work in advance. The first hour should be paid for in advance and will advise you if the price is likely to increase. Research information / copies will only be sent once payment has been received. Please note that there will still be a charge if no information is found.
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