Borough collections

Archive collections

St Helens Archive Service holds records relating to local services, businesses and industry, transport, education, war, events, clubs and societies, religions, property, plans, photographs, family history and local history. You can request to view these in person at the Gamble Building or remotely by arrangement. An alphabetical list of our catalogued collections is listed below. 

The online catalogue can be used to search and browse for items that you may be interested in accessing (please keep a note of any reference numbers for items you would like to view). If you need additional help accessing the catalogue, please contact us. 

A searchable list of building plans for various locations in the borough is available on our online catalogue.

Local studies facilities

As well as the archive collections in the Gamble Building, our main local studies facilities are in branch libraries.

Maps, microfilm records and local studies reference materials are also available at Eccleston Library and Newton-le-Willows Library. To book the micro readers, please contact Eccleston Library (01744 677575) or Newton-le-Willows Library (01744 677885) directly. 

Our collection of local newspapers runs from 1880 to the present. Most newspapers can be accessed on microfilm at Eccleston or Newton-le-Willows libraries as well as bound newspapers and cuttings available to view at St Helens Archive Service. See the link below to our Newspaper Guide.

Deposit records

We are happy to accept deposits of unique, historic records that reflect the borough of St Helens, it people and places - past and present into the borough archive collections.  The documents we hold come from organisations and individuals and are stored in conditions suitable for their permanent preservation. Documents may also be cleaned, repackaged, or repaired to ensure their longevity.  If you have documents you feel might be of interest, please contact us for further information and a tour of our facilities.