Lancashire Societies

Family history societies often publish helpful journals, transcripts, compiled genealogies and host helpful websites. They may have ongoing projects to transcribe records and create indexes. Most societies publish queries in their journals and maintain lists of members’ research interests that may be helpful to you. You may want to join one of these societies, reap the benefits of their expertise and resources, or support its efforts.

Addresses of the societies are for the most part where their meetings are held as they are by-and-large not brick-and-mortar institutions.

Regional Societies
Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society (CWAAS) Telephone: 01524 67523 Email: [mailto:general.secretary@cumbriapast.com general.secretary@cumbriapast.com] Website: Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society


 * The Society's charitable purpose is the advancement of education and culture in the fields of the arts, heritage and science. To promote, encourage, foster and coordinate the study of archaeology, history, genealogy, customs and traditions with special reference to the County of Cumbria which now includes the historic counties of Cumberland and Westmorland and Lancashire North of the Sands and the Sedbergh district of Yorkshire. Affiliated groups are the Carlisle Affiliated Group, the Kendal Historical & Archaeological Society, the Penrith Affiliated Group, and the South West Cumbria Historical & Archaeological Society.

Cumbria Family History Society Email: [mailto:secretary@cumbriafhs.com secretary@cumbriafhs.com] Website: Cumbria Family History Society


 * The Cumbria Family History Society was founded to help members carry out their genealogy researches and our area of interest is the modern county of Cumbria, which is the old counties of Cumberland and Westmorland and a part of Northern Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

Duddon Valley Local History Group Victory Hall 4 Station Rd Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA20 6HN UK Telephone: 01229 861511 Email: [mailto:info@duddonhistory.org.uk info@duddonhistory.org.uk] Website: Duddon Valley Local History Group


 * DVLHG was formed in the early 1990s and runs a programme of activities and talks for its members. Our five year long study of the whole valley has restarted extending the survey to cover areas not walked in earlier phases. Our findings led to our current major project with Oxford Archaeology North excavating three medieval longhouse sites near Seathwaite Tarn.

Holme & District Local History Society Burton Memorial Hall Main St Burton-in-Kendal, Cumbria LA6 1NA UK Telephone: 01524 782198 Website: Holme & District Local History Society


 * The Society concentrates on the local parishes of South Lakeland (Cumbria), including Holme, Burton, Beetham, Hutton Roof, Heversham, Lupton, Milnthorpe, and Preston Patrick. From the beginning we have collected photographs, maps and books about our local area for our library.  As the collection expanded with donations from members and non-members we started an archive section, now divided between two archivists: (1) Holme and (2) Burton & the district.

North West Catholic History Society Email: [mailto:editor@nwcatholichistory.org.uk editor@nwcatholichistory.org.uk] Website: North West Catholic History Society


 * The North West Catholic History Society promotes the study of the history of the Catholic Church in the region west of the Pennines, the old counties of Cheshire, Cumberland, Lancashire, and Westmorland.

South West Cumbria Historical & Archaeological Society Egremont Market Hall Supper Room 6 Market St Egremont Copeland, Cumbria CA22 UK Telephone: 019467 24634 Website: South West Cumbria Historical & Archaeological Society

Wesley Historical Society - Cumbria Methodist History Society 36 Kirkhead Road Kents Bank Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7DB UK Telephone: 015395 33865 Email: [mailto:wilkinson789@tiscali.co.uk wilkinson789@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Wesley Historical Society - Cumbria Methodist History Society


 * The Society was formed in 1976 and is one of several Regional Methodist Historical Societies which were originally branches of the Wesley Historical Society, established in 1893. We cover all aspects of Methodist history (including former Methodist denominations) with special emphasis on Cumbria.

Lancashire Societies
Audenshaw Local History Society Email: [mailto:fisher1977@sky.com fisher1977@sky.com] Website: Audenshaw Local History Society

Blackpool & Fylde Historical Society Blackpool Cricket Club Stanley Park W Park Dr Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 9EQ UK Website: Blackpool & Fylde Historical Society


 * Instituted in 1935 to promote the study of History and Archaeology, with particular reference to Blackpool and the Fylde.

Bolton Family History Society Montserrat Room 1st Floor Old Links Golf Club Chorley Old Road Bolton Manchester, Lancashire BL1 5SU UK Email: [mailto:bolton@mlfhs.org.uk bolton@mlfhs.org.uk] Website: Bolton Family History Society


 * A branch of the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society, the Bolton Branch is a local society dedicated to the study and recording of genealogy and family history.

Burnley Historical Society Saint Johns Parish Rooms Ivy Street Burnley, Lancashire BB10 1TB UK Email: [mailto:martinchild66@yahoo.co.uk martinchild66@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Burnley Historical Society


 * The Burnley and District Historical Society was formed shortly after the Second World War to promote and facilitate interest in local history in its broadest sense.

Bury Archaeological Group Telephone: 01204 531317 Email: [mailto:bury_archaeology@btinternet.com bury_archaeology@btinternet.com] Website: Bury Archaeological Group


 * Aims of the Group include to create a better understanding of the origin and history of communities in Bury District, to bring a clearer perspective of their position and influence in society as a whole; to convey results of archaeological excavation or local history studies to the general public, by publication and presentation of artefacts; and to encourage awareness in community heritage, together with means of its investigation by giving guidance to those wishing to participate.

Bury & District Local History Society St. Marie’s Church Manchester Road Bury Manchester, Lancashire BL9 0DR UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@burylhs.org.uk enquiries@burylhs.org.uk] Website: Bury & District Local History Society

Cartmel Fell & District Local History Society Cartmel Fell Parish Hall Cartmel, Cumbria LA11 6NH UK Telephone: 015395 30535 Website: Cartmel Fell & District Local History Society

Cartmel Peninsula Local History Society Cartmel Village Hall Cartmel Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 6PL UK Telephone: 015395 32591 Website: Cartmel Peninsula Local History Society


 * The society was founded in 1996 to promote an interest in local history within Cartmel and the surrounding parishes in South Cumbria, roughly the area between the River Leven Estuary to the west and the River Kent Estuary to the east.

Chadderton Historical Society Website: Chadderton Historical Society


 * The Society is empowered to undertake original research into aspects of Chadderton's history; make available to the public the results of such research; undertake the compilation and organisation of local history material which shall form the archives of the Society; undertake the organisation of displays of local history material; carry out archaeological excavations with guidance from professional bodies; provide comment and give advice, when required, on matters appertaining to the history and heritage of Chadderton; invite guest speakers to address members of the Society on subjects of a historical nature; and organise visits to places of local and general interest.

Chalk History Group (Charlestown and Lower Kersal) St Sebastian's Community Hall 1 Douglass Green Salford Manchester, Lancashire M6 6ES UK Email: [mailto:chalkhistory@yahoo.co.uk chalkhistory@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Chalk History Group (Charlestown and Lower Kersal)

Eccles and District History Society Alexandra House Liverpool Road Peel Green Eccles, Lancashire M30 7HB UK Email: [mailto:eccleshistory@yahoo.co.uk eccleshistory@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Eccles and District History Society


 * The Eccles & District History Society meets monthly where guest speakers are invited to give talks and presentations on a wide range of topics relating to both local and national history.

Everton and District History Group Mere Bank Pub 178 Heyworth Street Everton Liverpool, Lancashire L5 4LJ UK Email: [mailto:secretary@evertonhistory.com secretary@evertonhistory.com] Website: Everton and District History Group


 * We are a recently formed local history society, made up of a diverse group of people who have an interest in the rich history of the Everton area.

Friends of Pendle Heritage Pendle Heritage Centre Park Hill Barrowford Nelson, Lancashire BB9 6JQ UK Telephone: 01282 677150 Email: [mailto:info@foph.co.uk info@foph.co.uk] Website: Friends of Pendle Heritage

Furness Family History Society Barrow Island Community Primary School - CDC Trinity Street Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2SG UK Email: [mailto:info@furnessfhs.co.uk info@furnessfhs.co.uk] Website: Furness Family History Society


 * The Furness Family History Society is a group of people having an interest in family history (in Furness or elsewhere) and pursuing their own researches while also helping each other in the subject.

The Fylde History Network Telephone: 01253 720852 Email: [mailto:peter.shakeshaft@btinternet.com peter.shakeshaft@btinternet.com] Website: The Fylde History Network


 * We were aware that a good deal of research is being done across the Fylde which would be of great interest to all local historians in the area, but that there was no system for liaising and communicating between the local societies.  The idea of developing a network for local historians and the dozen or so Local History Societies in the Fylde – from Pilling in the north to Lytham and from Blackpool in the west to Garstang – was born.

Garstang Historical Society Garstang United Reformed Church Croston Rd Garstang, Lancashire PR3 1FL UK Telephone: 01995 605824 Email: [mailto:ant.garstang@gmail.com ant.garstang@gmail.com] Website: Garstang Historical Society


 * The Society's website aims to promote the work of the historical society as well promote interest in local history in Garstang and district.

Halliwell Local History Society St. Luke’s Church Chorley Old Road Bolton Manchester, Lancashire BL1 BE UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@halliwell-lhs.co.uk enquiries@halliwell-lhs.co.uk] Website: Halliwell Local History Society


 * Halliwell Local History Society was formed in 1986 by a group of people who were intent on recording and keeping alive the history of the Halliwell Township.

History of Kirkby Group Askam Band Hall Sandy Lane Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria LA16 7BE UK Email: [mailto:mcpherson@combecrescent.freeserve.co.uk mcpherson@combecrescent.freeserve.co.uk] Website: History of Kirkby Group


 * The History of Kirkby Group was formed in 2000 and exists to research and publish information, articles and books about the history of the village of Kirkby in Furness, otherwise Kirkby Ireleth,which goes back at least to Saxon times.

Irlam, Cadishead and District Local History Society St Paul's Methodist Church Liverpool Road Irlam, Lancashire M44 6DA UK Telephone: 07548 187290 Email: [mailto:debbie.yates@yahoo.co.uk debbie.yates@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Irlam, Cadishead and District Local History Society


 * This local group is open to anyone with an interest in Irlam and Cadishead’s history.

Lancaster & District Family History Group Lansil Sports & Social Club Caton Road Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3PE UK Website: Lancaster & District Family History Group


 * Our Aims are to promote family history research, to compile indexes of local monumental inscriptions in gratitude for all the other splendid indexes that we use. and to increase our holdings, so our members can benefit by using them at our group meetings.

Lancashire Archaeological Society Fulwood United Reformed Church Symonds Road Fulwood Preston, Lancashire PR2 3DH UK Email: [mailto:bill_shannon@msn.com bill_shannon@msn.com] Website: Lancashire Archaeological Society


 * The LAS was formed because of an interest and commitment to the field of archaeology and the feeling that the new ‘Lancashire’ county area created in 1974 needed an archaeological society of its own. This new county archaeological society would provide a focal point for the local archaeological societies and so help to create a new identity for Lancashire’s archaeology.

Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society St Cuthberts Church Centre Lytham Road Fulwood Preston, Lancashire PR2 3AR UK Blackburn & Darwen Ewood Park Working Mens Club 318 Bolton Road Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 4HY UK Email: [mailto:blackburn@lfhhs.org.uk blackburn@lfhhs.org.uk] Bury The Kay Room Church House The Wylde Bury, Lancashire BL9 0LA UK Email: [mailto:bury@lfhhs.org.uk bury@lfhhs.org.uk] Chorley Lecture Room Chorley Library Union Street Chorley, Lancashire PR7 1EB UK Telephone: 01257 262028 Email: [mailto:chorley@lfhhs.org.uk chorley@lfhhs.org.uk] Fylde St. Martin’s & St Hilda`s Church Fleetwood Road South Carleton Poulton le Fylde, Lancashire FY6 7NL UK Email: [mailto:fylde@lfhhs.org.uk fylde@lfhhs.org.uk] Heraldry Group St. Stephen’s Church Centre Bird Street Preston, Lancashire PR1 8DY UK Email: [mailto:heraldry@lfhhs.org.uk heraldry@lfhhs.org.uk] Hyndburn Accrington & District Blind Society 32 Bank Street Accrington, Lancashire BB5 1HP UK Email: [mailto:hyndburn@lfhhs.org.uk hyndburn@lfhhs.org.uk] Irish Ancestry Group 2 Straits Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire BB5 3LU UK Email: [mailto:irish@lfhhs.org.uk irish@lfhhs.org.uk] Lancaster & Morecambe Morecambe Heritage Centre The Promenade 215 Marine Road Morecambe, Lancashire LA4 4BU UK Email: [mailto:lancaster@lfhhs.org.uk lancaster@lfhhs.org.uk] London & South Brompton Library 210 Old Brompton Road London SW5 0BS UK Email: [mailto:elizabethprior@btinternet.com elizabethprior@btinternet.com] Pendle & Burnley Colne Library Market Square Colne, Lancashire BB8 0AP UK Email: [mailto:pendle@lfhhs.org.uk pendle@lfhhs.org.uk] Preston Kingsfold Methodist Church Padway Penwortham Preston, Lancashire PR1 9EJ UK Email: [mailto:preston@lfhhs.org.uk preston@lfhhs.org.uk] Rochdale St. Andrew's U.R. Church Entwisle Road Rochdale, Lancashire OL16 2HZ UK Rossendale Longholme Methodist Church Bacup Road Rawtenstall, Lancashire BB4 7ND UK Email: [mailto:rossendale@lfhhs.org.uk rossendale@lfhhs.org.uk] Telephone: 01772 465319 Email: [mailto:secretary@lfhhs.org.uk secretary@lfhhs.org.uk] Website: Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society


 * Our aims are to advance the study of genealogy, heraldry, and family history; to find, publish, and make accessible relevant documents and records; to promote the preservation of these documents and records, especially by transcribing original sources; to collaborate with organisations and bodies who have custody of records; and to operate an information service and build up a library.


 * The Society has branches in Blackburn, Bury, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster & Morecambe, Pendle and Burnley, Preston, Rochdale, and Rossendale. There are branches covering Heraldry and Irish Ancestry. The London and South branch holds joint meetings with members of the Cumbria Family History Society.

Lancashire Local History Federation Email: [mailto:secretary@lancashirehistory.org secretary@lancashirehistory.org] Website: Lancashire Local History Federation


 * Formed in 1973, we are the official co-ordinating body for local history in the County Palatine of Lancaster. We have members as far apart as Dalton-in-Furness to the north and Denton to the south, Fleetwood to the west and Farnworth to the east. Whether you are interested in Local History, Family History, Archaeology or Industrial Archaeology, if there is a bearing on Lancashire in your field of research, one or more of our member societies will be able to help.

Lancashire Parish Record Society Manchester Central Library St Peter's Square Manchester, Lancashire M2 5PD UK Email: [mailto:hudson@raising.plus.com hudson@raising.plus.com] Website: Lancashire Parish Record Society


 * The Society was formed in 1898 and has published over 250 volumes of parish register transcriptions, either in hardback or on Compact Disk. These publications contain substantial parts of the registers of over a hundred parishes, printed fairly steadily since 1898. They include editions of more than fifty of the earliest Lancashire registers – in fact all the registers for the 16th century have now been printed. There are four awaiting completion for the 17th century. Transcripts or indexes of many registers made for the Society and waiting publication are available in the Society’s library of transcripts kindly stored for us in Manchester Central Library’s Archives  Department.

Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society History Centre on Platform 2 Littleborough Station Littleborough Rochdale Manchester, Lancashire OL15 0HA UK Telephone: 01706 377685 Website: Littleborough Historical and Archaeological Society


 * To advance the education of the public by promoting the study of local history in Littleborough in all its aspects, and by establishing and maintaining a local research facility and archaeological workshop.

Liverpool and South West Lancashire Family History Society Liverpool Group Top Floor Meeting Room Liverpool Library William Brown Street Liverpool, Lancashire L3 8EW UK Leigh Group Derby Room Leigh Library Turnpike Centre Civic Square Market Street Leigh Manchester, Lancashire WN7 1EB UK Southport Group Lord Street West United Church 5 Lord St W Southport, Merseyside PR8 2BH UK Skelmersdale and UpHolland Upholland Library Community Room Hall Green Upholland, Lancashire WN8 OPB UK Warrington Halliwell Jones Rugby Stadium Warrington Conference Centre Mike Gregory Way Warrington, Lancashire WA2 7NE UK Widnes John Dalton Community Centre Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Mayfield Avenue, off Royal Avenue Ditton Widnes, Cheshire WA8 8PR UK

Turnpike Centre Civic Square Market Street Leigh Manchester, Lancashire WN7 1EB UK Website: Liverpool and South West Lancashire Family History Society


 * We are an active and forward-looking Society that brings together genealogists and historians with an interest in the area covered by the old Hundred of West Derby.

Longridge & District Local History Society St Paul's Church 24 Parlick Ave Longridge Preston, Lancashire PR3 3TN UK Email: [mailto:contact@ldlhs.org.uk contact@ldlhs.org.uk] Website: Longridge & District Local History Society

Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society Anglo-Scottish Family History Society Manchester Central Library St Peter's Square Manchester, Lancashire M2 5PD UK Website: Anglo-Scottish Family History Society Oldham and District Branch Oldham Civic Centre Rock Street Resource Centre West St Oldham Manchester, Lancashire OL1 1UT UK Website: Oldham and District Branch Bolton Family History Society Montserrat Room, 1st Floor Old Links Golf Club Chorley Old Road Bolton Manchester, Lancashire BL1 5SU UK Email: [mailto:bolton@mlfhs.org.uk bolton@mlfhs.org.uk] Website: Bolton Family History Society

Telephone: 0161 2341060 Website: Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society


 * The Society was formed in 1964 and is now one of the largest family history societies in the world. Although the Society is united by a common interest in Genealogy and Family History, members also pursue interests in closely related fields. Many are also local historians, whilst others share an interest in the application of computers to genealogy.

Manchester Region Industrial Archaeology Society Manchester Metropolitan University Business School Seminar Room 301 All Saints Campus Oxford Road Manchester, Lancashire M15 6BH UK Telephone: 0161 445 9124 Website: Manchester Region Industrial Archaeology Society


 * We are interested in developing a greater understanding of the industrial archaeology of the Manchester region; recording, interpreting and where possible preserving the physical remains of industrial artefacts and sites in their social, cultural and historical contexts; and promoting and researching the industrial archaeology of the Manchester region of England.

Merseyside Archaeological Society The Quaker Meeting House 22 School Ln Liverpool, Lancashire L1 3BT UK Email: [mailto:MerseyArchSoc@gmail.com MerseyArchSoc@gmail.com] Website: Merseyside Archaeological Society


 * Our interests cover the often-elusive remains of the prehistoric period to the iconic monuments of the Industrial Revolution in urban Liverpool. You are sure to find something of interest - whether you are an amateur or professional archaeologist or interested in your local archaeology and history.

Mourholme Local History Society Yealand Village Hall Footeran Ln Carnforth, Cumbria LA5 UK Email: [mailto:sheila@mourholme.co.uk sheila@mourholme.co.uk] Website: Mourholme Local History Society


 * Until the nineteenth century the Warton parish contained the townships of Borwick, Carnforth, Priest Hutton, Silverdale, Warton, Yealand Redmayne, and Yealand Conyers. They lie in the extreme north-west of Lancashire, abutting modern day Cumbria. Our studies concern the history of these seven villages.

North Meols (Southport) Family History Society Marshside Road Methodist Church Marshside Rd Southport, Merseyside PR9 9TL UK Email: [mailto:secretary@nmfhssouthport.co.uk secretary@nmfhssouthport.co.uk] Website: North Meols (Southport) Family History Society


 * The Society, formed in November 1990, meets locally and provides support and encouragement to those people with an interest in family and local history in the area of North Meols, as well as trying to help with genealogical research.

North West Group of Family History Societies Website: North West Group of Family History Societies

Ormskirk and District Family History Society Scout Hall 7 Wigan Road Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 2AP UK Email: [mailto:secretary@odfhs.email secretary@odfhs.email] Website: Ormskirk and District Family History Society


 * The area we cover includes Aughton, Bickerstaffe, Burscough, Downholland, Halsall, Hesketh with Becconsall, Lathom, Lydiate, Maghull, Melling, Ormskirk, Rufford, Scarisbrick, Simonswood, Skelmersdale, and Tarleton.

Poulton-le-Fylde Historical & Civic Society Methodist Church Hall Queensway Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire FY6 7ST UK Telephone: 01253 885167 Website: Poulton-le-Fylde Historical & Civic Society


 * The Society's website is intended to give visitors a flavour of the town and its past, present, and future.  We welcome contributions from all those with an interest in the history of Poulton-le-Fylde and its surrounding communities.

Salford Local History Society Salford Museum and Art Gallery Peel Park Salford, Lancashire M5 4WU UK Telephone: 0161 736 7306 Email: [mailto:roy.bullock@ntlworld.com roy.bullock@ntlworld.com] Website: Salford Local History Society


 * The Salford Local History Society exists to promote the study of local history within the city of Salford.

St Helens Townships Family History Society St. Helens Town Hall Victoria Square Saint Helens, Merseyside WA10 1HP UK Email: [mailto:contactus@sthelenstownshipsfhs.org.uk contactus@sthelenstownshipsfhs.org.uk] Website: St Helens Townships Family History Society


 * We are an independent group of family history transcribers and researchers, based in St. Helens, Merseyside, UK, who have a wealth of knowledge on local and national resources available to help you further your research. The group's aim is to research our family history whilst helping others.

Swinton and Pendlebury Local History Society Swinton Library 100 Chorley Road Swinton, Lancashire M27 4AE UK Telephone: 0161 794 4570/0161 793 7847 Website: Swinton and Pendlebury Local History Society

Tameside Archaeological Society Telephone: 0161 320 5220 Email: [mailto:tas.secretary@yahoo.co.uk tas.secretary@yahoo.co.uk] Website: Tameside Archaeological Society


 * TAS was established in 1997 to record and preserve the historical standing remains for the public interest in the borough of Tameside (a borough of Greater Manchester).

Wesley Historical Society - Lancashire Wesley Historical Society 34 Leach Lane Lytham St Annes, Lancashire FY9 3AP UK Telephone: 01253 728907 Website: Wesley Historical Society - Lancashire Wesley Historical Society


 * The Lancashire Wesley Historical Society was formed in 1984 with the aim of maintaining an interest in the life and work of John and Charles Wesley, in Methodist history in all its traditions and in its chapels and the architecture set within the broader context of English history, with especial reference to the region covered by our District.

West Lancashire Archaeological Society Email: [mailto:gee.griffiths@yahoo.co.uk gee.griffiths@yahoo.co.uk] Website: West Lancashire Archaeological Society

Wigan Archaeological Society The Brocket Arms 38 Mesnes Rd Wigan Manchester, Lancashire WN1 2DD UK Telephone: 01257 402342 Website: Wigan Archaeological Society


 * The aims of the society are to expand the knowledge and awareness of our local, national and international heritage; to increase our understanding of the historical significance of the area; and to provide a base for research and a resource for field projects within the area.

Wigan Family & Local History Society Sunshine House Community Centre Wellington St Scholes Wigan Manchester, Lancashire WN1 3SA UK Email: [mailto:wigan.fhs@gmail.com wigan.fhs@gmail.com] Website: Wigan Family & Local History Society


 * Our main object is the promotion and encouragement of research into family and local history.