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
The Chetham Society Email: [mailto:chethamsociety1843@gmail.com chethamsociety1843@gmail.com] Website: The Chetham Society


 * The Chetham Society is the oldest historical society in North-West England. It was founded in 1843 for the publication of Remains Historical and Literary connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester, and was named in honour of Humphrey Chetham.

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.

Cumbria Industrial History Society Shap Wells Hotel B6261 Shap Penrith, Cumbria CA10 3QU UK Email: [mailto:lowludderburn@btinternet.com lowludderburn@btinternet.com] Website: Cumbria Industrial History Society


 * CIHS was formed in 1985 by members of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society with a particular interest in industrial history.

Cumbria Local History Federation Email: [mailto:secretary@clhf.org.uk secretary@clhf.org.uk] Website: Cumbria Local History Federation


 * The Cumbria Local History Federation (CLHF) has a membership of Cumbrian local history societies, related groups and individuals. It promotes an interchange of information about activities and events. Additionally, the Federation provides a forum for liaison, a means of cooperation and a capacity for county-wide activities.

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.

Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire Liverpool Central Library William Brown St Liverpool, Lancashire L3 8EW UK Telephone: 0161 439 2316 Email: [mailto:secretary@hslc.org.uk secretary@hslc.org.uk] Website: Historic Society of Lancashire & Cheshire


 * The Society is a charity which exists for educational purposes to promote the study of any aspect of the history of the Palatine counties of Lancashire and Cheshire.

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.

Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society Manchester Central Library St Peter's Square Manchester, Lancashire M2 5PD UK Email: [mailto:morrisgarratt@sky.com morrisgarratt@sky.com] Website: Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society


 * The Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society was founded in 1883 to promote the study of the history of Lancashire and Cheshire. Its sphere includes archaeology (both traditional and industrial), economic and social history, architecture and the arts, and folklore. Its range extends from antiquity to the more recent past. Although the Society is based on Manchester, its studies and activities embrace the region.

Marple Local History Society Marple Methodist Church Church Lane Marple Stockport, Lancashire SK6 7AY UK Telephone: 0161 427 3802 Email: [mailto:info@mlhs.org.uk info@mlhs.org.uk] Website: Marple Local History Society


 * The Society is dedicated to the recording of the past and present of Marple – including Mellor, Compstall, Marple Bridge, Strines, Rose Hill, Hawk Green, and High Lane.

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.

North West Group of Family History Societies Email: [mailto:webmaster@nwgfhs.org.uk webmaster@nwgfhs.org.uk] Website: North West Group of Family History Societies

Ranulf Higden Society The John Rylands Library (University of Manchester Library) Oxford Rd Manchester, Lancashire M13 9PP UK Email: [mailto:ranulfhigden@gmail.com ranulfhigden@gmail.com] Website: Ranulf Higden Society


 * The Ranulf Higden Society transcribes and translates medieval Latin documents associated with Lancashire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.  Some people for their own purposes need to read and understand medieval records written in Latin or Anglo-Norman but do not have the benefit of the kind of support normally provided by postgraduate courses in universities.  The Society was formed to provide a means by which they might receive continuing instruction in various relevant fields and encourage and support.

Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire Telephone: 01270 878787 Email: [mailto:jimsutton37@hotmail.co.uk jimsutton37@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire


 * The Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire publishes the texts of historic documents relating to the two counties - everything from wills, deeds and inquests to letters and financial accounts. Each volume includes a scholarly introduction to the text.

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
Arnside Local History Society W.I. Hall Orchard Rd Arnside Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 0DP UK Website: Arnside Local History Society

Audenshaw Local History Society Ryecroft Hall Manchester Road Audenshaw Manchester, Lancashire M34 5ZJ UK Email: [mailto:fisher1977@sky.com fisher1977@sky.com] Website: Audenshaw Local History Society

Billinge History Society Email: [mailto:billingehistory@btopenworld.com billingehistory@btopenworld.com] Website: Billinge History Society Website #2: Billinge History Society


 * Billinge History Society Objectives are to preserve the history of Billinge for present and future generations, to promote interest in the history of Billinge, and to publish the history of Billinge in printed and electronic formats so that interested parties have easy and unrestricted access to it.

Birkdale and Ainsdale Historical Research Society 20 Blundell Drive Birkdale Southport, Merseyside PR8 4RG UK Website: Birkdale and Ainsdale Historical Research Society


 * The Society's purpose is to carry out and publish research into these two historic communities on the south-west coast of Lancashire, England, and their surrounding area.

Blackburn Local History Society Blackburn Central Library Town Hall Street Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 1AG UK Website: Blackburn Local History Society


 * Blackburn Local History Society aims to promote interest in the history and heritage of the Blackburn area, and to encourage and publish historical research of local interest.

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 Email: [mailto:jeni.boothman@tiscali.co.uk jeni.boothman@tiscali.co.uk] 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 Email: [mailto:nigelmills@btinternet.com nigelmills@btinternet.com] 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 Email: [mailto:chs@chadderton-historical-society.org.uk chs@chadderton-historical-society.org.uk] 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)

Chipping Local History Society St Mary’s Community Hall Longridge Road Chipping, Lancashire PR3 2QD UK Email: [mailto:chippinghistory@aol.co.uk chippinghistory@aol.co.uk] Website: Chipping Local History Society


 * Chipping is a village situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Ribble Valley. Our Society brings together people who are interested in the history of the village and the surrounding area.

Chorley Historical & Archaeological Society Chorley Library Union Street Chorley, Lancashire PR7 1EB UK Email: [mailto:contact@chorleyhistorysociety.co.uk contact@chorleyhistorysociety.co.uk] Website: Chorley Historical & Archaeological Society

Crosby & District Historical Society Moor Lane Methodist Church 2 Moor Coppice Liverpool, Merseyside L23 2XJ UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@crosbyhistorical.org.uk enquiries@crosbyhistorical.org.uk] Website: Crosby & District Historical Society


 * The aims of the Crosby and District Historical Society are to promote the advancement of the education of the community by developing public interest in all aspects of local history of the district of Crosby and surrounding districts of the Borough of Sefton, Liverpool, Lancashire and the Wirral.

Culcheth Local History Group Culcheth Community Centre 2 Jackson Avenue Culcheth Warrington, Lancashire WA3 4EL UK Telephone: 01925 752276 Website: Culcheth Local History Group

Denton Local History Society Email: [mailto:dentonhistorysoc@aol.com dentonhistorysoc@aol.com] Website: Denton Local History Society


 * The Society exists to research, record, preserve, display and publish the memories, memorabilia, buildings, and town of the people of Denton.

Earby & District Local History Society Earby Community Centre New Rd Earby Barnoldswick, Lancashire BB18 6XA UK Email: [mailto:info@earbyhistory.co.uk info@earbyhistory.co.uk] Website: Earby & District Local History Society


 * Our aims are to raise awareness and interest in the history of the Ancient Parish of Thornton-in-Craven, of which Earby was a part. We aim to facilitate research into the heritage of Earby and District, including Thornton-in-Craven, Kelbrook, Sough, Hague, Harden, and Salterforth.

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.

Ewecross Historical Society Bentham Methodist Church 5 Moons Acre Bentham Lancaster, Lancashire LA2 7BL UK Telephone: 033 3006 227 Website: Ewecross Historical Society


 * The society was formed in 1968 to promote the study of history in general and in particular of local history in the area of the Wapentake of Ewecross (containing the parishes of Austwick, Bentham, Burton in Lonsdale, Clapham, Dent, Garsdale, Horton in Ribblesdale, Ingleton, Lawkland, Sedbergh, and Thornton in Lonsdale).

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.

Garston & District Historical Society Garston Park Church Garston Old Rd Garston Liverpool, Lancashire L19 9AF UK Telephone: 0151 4272544 Email: [mailto:mgtberbrett@tiscali.co.uk mgtberbrett@tiscali.co.uk] Website: Garston & District Historical Society

Great Harwood History Society Email: [mailto:GHHS@great-harwood.org.uk GHHS@great-harwood.org.uk] Website: Great Harwood History Society


 * The Aims of the Society are to pursue original research which is to be made available to all; to share information amongst the members of the group so as to add to the body of knowledge; to gather histories in any format; to mount exhibitions of an historical nature; to create and continue contributing to the internet website: www.great-harwood.org.uk; to publish booklets, leaflets, etc.; to act as a resource for material and information; and to extend any of these activities as opportunities arise.

Great Lever & Morris Green Local History Society St. William of York R.C.Church 76A Lever Edge Lane Bolton Manchester, Lancashire BL3 3EN UK Email: [mailto:secretary@greatleverandmorrisgreenlocalhistorysociety.co.uk secretary@greatleverandmorrisgreenlocalhistorysociety.co.uk] Website: Great Lever & Morris Green Local History Society


 * The aims of Great Lever and Morris Green Local History Society are to promote local history to the local community, to produce publications on local history, and to deliver talks and lead history walks in the local area.

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.

Horwich Heritage Horwich Resource Centre Beaumont Rd Horwich Bolton Manchester, Lancashire BL6 7BG UK Email: [mailto:plord@sky.com plord@sky.com] Website: Horwich Heritage


 * The Group's aims are to stimulate public interest in and appreciation of our area; to provide suitable premises for the display of social and industrial history; to secure the preservation, conservation, and improvement of features of general or historic interest; to promote tourism and encourage use of the surrounding countryside as part of a heritage framework; to encourage research into the history of Horwich and Rivington and to publish the results; to provide a social and educational service, giving advice and information and to act as a coordinating body to cooperate with local services; and to raise funds to enable the pursuit of our objectives.

Hyndburn Local History Society Accrington Library Lecture Hall St James' St Accrington, Lancashire BB5 1NQ UK Email: [mailto:climpsond@madasafish.com climpsond@madasafish.com] Website: Hyndburn Local History Society


 * Covering Accrington, Altham, Baxenden, Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Great Harwood, Huncoat, Oswaldtwistle, and Rishton.

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.

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 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]

St Cuthberts Church Centre Lytham Road Fulwood Preston, Lancashire PR2 3AR 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 Register 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 Register 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.

Lancashire Place Name Survey Lancashire Archives Bow Lane Preston, Lancashire PR1 2RE UK Email: [mailto:jacquie.crosby@lancashire.gov.uk jacquie.crosby@lancashire.gov.uk] Website: Lancashire Place Name Survey


 * The LPNS collects early word-forms (broadly old spellings) of the names of places in pre-1974 Lancashire.

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.

Leyland Historical Society Shield Room Banqueting Suite Civic Centre West Paddock Leyland, Lancashire PR25 1DH UK Telephone: 01772 641604 Email: [mailto:peter@leylandhistoricalsociety.co.uk peter@leylandhistoricalsociety.co.uk] Website: Leyland Historical Society


 * The object of the Society is to promote the advancement of education of members of the public in all aspects of history and in particular of the Leyland Area.

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.

Liverpool History Society Cornerstone Building Liverpool Hope University Hope Park Liverpool, Merseyside L16 9JD UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@liverpoolhistorysociety.org.uk enquiries@liverpoolhistorysociety.org.uk] Website: Liverpool History Society

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

Lytham Heritage Group Lytham Assembly Rooms Dicconson Terrace Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5JY UK Telephone: 01253 730787 Email: [mailto:thecentre@lythamheritage.co.uk thecentre@lythamheritage.co.uk] Website: Lytham Heritage Group


 * Lytham Heritage Group was established in 1987 to preserve and promote the history and heritage of the Ancient Parish of Lytham, which includes Lytham, Saltcotes, Ansdell, Fairhaven, Heyhouses, Kilgrimol, and St Annes.

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.

Mere Brow Local History Society Mere Brow Village Hall 65 The Gravel Mere Brow Preston, Lancashire PR4 6JX UK Telephone: 01772 814306 Website: Mere Brow Local History Society

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.

Norden & District Local History Society Norden Bowling Club Trinity Street Norden Rochdale Manchester, Lancashire OL12 7RD UK Telephone: 07812 447460

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.

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.

Pendle Forest History Group Barley Village Hall Cross Lane Barley Burnley, Lancashire BB12 9JU UK Email: [mailto:admin@pendleforesthistorygroup.co.uk admin@pendleforesthistorygroup.co.uk] Website: Pendle Forest History Group


 * The Pendle Forest History Group was formed in 2007 by members from the Pendleside villages of Roughlee, Newchurch, and Barley to consider and investigate the history of the ancient area of Pendle Forest.

Poynton Local History Society St Paul’s School Marley Road Poynton Stockport, Lancashire SK12 1LY UK Telephone: 01625 872068/875031 Website: Poynton Local History Society

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.

Preston Historical Society Preston Minster Church Street Preston, Lancashire PR1 3BT UK Email: [mailto:info@prestonhistoricalsociety.org.uk info@prestonhistoricalsociety.org.uk] Website: Preston Historical Society


 * The aims and objectives of the Preston Historical Society are to promote the study of local history in Preston and Lancashire by way of social and natural history talks given by local historians and speakers, various events, and by using current social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Ramsbottom Heritage Society Ramsbottom Civic Hall Market Place Ramsbottom Bury, Lancashire BL0 9AJ UK Email: [mailto:john@ramsbottomheritage.org.uk john@ramsbottomheritage.org.uk] Website: Ramsbottom Heritage Society


 * The Ramsbottom Heritage Society is based in Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, England, and was formed in 1987 to promote and protect the heritage of the town.

Ribchester Local History Society Ribchester Arms Blackburn Road Ribchester, Lancashire PR3 3ZQ UK Telephone: 01254 820458 Email: [mailto:ribchesterlhs@gmail.com ribchesterlhs@gmail.com] Website: Ribchester Local History Society


 * Aims and Objectives are to provide a forum for those with an interest in the history and environment of Ribchester and the surrounding area, to undertake research and report on particular aspects of past village life, and to record the memories of those who live within the parish boundaries.

Royton Local History Society Downey House Church Street Royton Oldham Manchester, Lancashire OL2 5JS UK Email: [mailto:enquiries@rlhs.co.uk enquiries@rlhs.co.uk] Website: Royton Local History Society


 * Royton Local History Society was established in 2002 and is dedicated to "Preserving and Promoting the History and Heritage of Royton".

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.

St John's Local History Group St John's Parish Centre Denmark Street Waterloo, Merseyside L22 9RG UK Telephone: 0151 474 2503 Website: St John's Local History Group

Swarthmoor Hall History Society Swarthmoor Hall Lane Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 0JQ UK Telephone: 01229 583204 Email: [mailto:info@swarthmoorhall.co.uk info@swarthmoorhall.co.uk] Website: Swarthmoor Hall History Society


 * The History Group at Swarthmoor Hall was established some years ago to look deeper into the story of the house and its people. A Journal, published once or twice a year, records the results of our endeavours.

Swinton and Pendlebury Local History Society Swinton Library 100 Chorley Road Swinton, Lancashire M27 4AE UK Telephone: 0161 7944570/0161 7937847 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).

Tameside Local History Forum Email: [mailto:clough@tamesidehistoryforum.org.uk clough@tamesidehistoryforum.org.uk] Website: Tameside Local History Forum


 * The Tameside Local History Forum was established in January 2000 to increase public awareness and use of all the elements of local history throughout the Borough.

Tatham History Society The Old School Tatham Fells, Lancashire LA2 8PS UK Telephone: 015242 21277 Website: Tatham History Society


 * Tatham History Society has the objectives to advance understanding and awareness of, and the education of the public in, the subject of the history and landscape of the parish and neighbourhood of Tatham in the county of Lancashire.

Urmston & District Local History Society 5 Avondale Crescent Urmston Manchester, Lancashire M41 7AU UK Telephone: 0161 7474185 Email: [mailto:daveandbabs@hotmail.co.uk	daveandbabs@hotmail.co.uk] Website: Urmston & District Local History Society


 * To promote the advancement of education of the public by developing public interest in all aspects of local history concerning Urmston and district.

Warrington History Society Independent Methodist Chapel 37 Cairo Street Friars Green Warrington, Lancashire WA1 1EH UK Email: [mailto:warringtonhistorysociety@gmail.com warringtonhistorysociety@gmail.com] Website: Warrington History Society


 * Established in 1964, the Society’s aim is to encourage an interest in all aspects of local history with particular reference to Warrington and its surrounding areas.

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

Westhoughton History Group Westhoughton Library Library St Westhoughton Bolton Manchester, Lancashire BL5 3AT UK Email: [mailto:mail@westhoughtonhistorygroup.org.uk mail@westhoughtonhistorygroup.org.uk] Website: Westhoughton History Group

Whitworth Historical Society Whitworth Heritage Museum North Street Whitworth Rochdale, Lancashire OL12 8RA UK Telephone: 01706 344781 Email: [mailto:secretary@whitworthhistoricalsociety.org.uk secretary@whitworthhistoricalsociety.org.uk] Website: Whitworth Historical 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.

Wyre Archaeological Group Email: [mailto:secwyrearch@aol.com secwyrearch@aol.com] Website: Wyre Archaeological Group


 * Our interests are not confined to just the Wyre District but cover the whole of Wyre, the Fylde, and beyond.