Visiting the Archive Service

We are temporarily located at:

The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St Helens, WA10 1BX.

Booking an appointment:

First consult the online catalogue (www.sthelens.gov.uk/history) making a note of the title and reference number items you are interested viewing. Please be aware that we limit the number of items that are issued to visitors at any one time to a maximum of ten items or bundles. 

Please contact us if:

• You need support accessing the catalogue
• You would like to view more than ten items or expect your research could take more than two hours.
• You would like to cancel or rearrange your appointment.

Visiting the Archive Service

Visiting the archive search room is by appointment only. Appointments are available during the hours below (although other times may be available on request).

Wednesdays, 1pm - 4.30pm

Thursdays, 1pm - 4.30pm

Fridays, 10am - 3pm

You can contact archive staff by email, archives@sthelens.gov.uk, or by phone on 01744 671748. 

• Welcome staff at the main reception can direct you upt to the search room space.
• The archive service search room is located on the first floor of The World of Glass, an open mezzanine that is also used by library users.
• You will need to sign in to view items. 
• Lockers are provided for coats, bags, and personal belongings.
• Free visitor WiFi is available.
• The World of Glass Museum is free to enter and has a cafe, shop, galleries, and hot glass studio. St Helens Library is also co-located in the building and is free to join. 

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

 The World of Glass, Chalon Way East, St Helens, WA10 1BX. 

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)

The World of Glass includes accessible toilet facilities, disabled parking, and lifts. 

Please advise staff when booking an appointment if you have mobility issues. 

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

Image credit must always be displayed for St Helens Archive Service.

Use of own device

Research

Other

Payment can be made by cash or card. Card payments can be made over the phone. 

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.