About our service
Volunteers | Service Charter | Collection Policy | Preservation Policy | Public Task Statement | Access Policy
The Cheshire Archives and Local Studies service identifies, collects and cares for archives and publications that are the evidence of Cheshire communities’ lives past and present. We deliver access for all to our collections for information, learning and enjoyment and work to make sure archives survive so that future generations will be able to do the same.
We are a shared service of Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils.
The service is also responsible for delivering the archives service for Warrington and Halton boroughs.
Cheshire's archives: a story shared
Central to our vision for Cheshire’s archives is to provide new premises for the Archives service, its activities and the collections, and bring collections closer to people. The project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Wolfson Foundation and by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. See the plans and follow our progress on a dedicated project site.
Latest update:
Construction of the new archive centres in Chester and Crewe continues to be on schedule for opening in Autumn 2026. The team is now focussed on preparing the collections to be moved in the summer. You can read more about this essential work on our project website.
The project’s outreach and learning programme continues to play a central role in its success, engaging people across a wide range of communities and age groups - most of whom are new to archives. Since the project began in July 2023, the team has delivered 129 events and workshops in 24 towns and cities, reaching over 4,500 people. You can find out more on the project website.
Public access to our collections, along with our research and copying services, will resume when we reopen in the Autumn. In the meantime, many resources remain available online or through libraries in Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, Warrington and Halton.
Find out more about Cheshire Archives
The best way to keep in touch is via our social media channels and our newsletter which you can subscribe to here. You can also get in touch about the project by emailing us at archivesproject@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk.
See frequently asked questions about the move
This website is run in partnership between Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils.
