Barrow Archive and Local Studies Centre

Barrow Archive and Local Studies Centre is an Archive Centre associated with Cumbria Archive Service, and is run by Cumbria County Council. 

The Archive collects and preserves original historical records relating to the culture, history and heritage of the area of Furness (Lancashire North of the Sands) and South West Cumberland, especially the areas of Barrow, Ulverston and Millom.  It is based in Ramsden Square, Barrow-in-Furness.

These resources include documents, manuscripts, maps and photographs and relate to families, local businesses, local authorities, solicitors, societies and schools.  

The Office makes these resources accessible to anyone who wishes to consult them.

The Archive has a vast range of widely differing resources, so whether you wish to research your family history, conduct research for a school, college or university assignment, trace the history of a house or study the history of your local area, you will find the documents held of use.

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to help should you have any questions or require assistance.

Information about Barrow Archive

For information regarding their collections, opening hours and directions, please visit the appropriate sections of their Home Page.  Records held by the Archive include:

• Census Returns for Furness and Cartmel areas and South Cumberland including Millom 1841-1901
• Church of England Parish Records
• Estate papers of the Duke of Buccleuch
• Index to civil registrations of births, marriages and deaths 1837-1996
• Landed Estate Records
• Maps
• Newspapers
• Nonconformist Records
• Records of Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd, including gun mounting drawings 1898-1950
• School Records
• Soldiers who died in the Great War – CD-ROM

Newspapers held at the Archive include:

• Barrow News 1883-1985
• Millom Gazette 1892-1933
• North Western Daily/Evening Mail 1898-1995
• Soulby’s Ulverston Advertiser 1848-1914

Other resources are accessible in their Library, which include books relating to Barrow and several periodicals from local societies.

Location and Directions

The Archive is adjacent to Barrow Library.  

When journeying to the Archive on the bus, buses to Barrow stop opposite the Archive on Duke Street.  

The train station is 5-10 minutes walk from the Office.  Trains to Barrow run from Preston, Lancaster, and Carlisle.

If travelling by car, parking is limited to 2 hours nearby, but there is a pay and display car park on Duke Street behind the Town Hall.

Before you Visit

You are required to give advance notice if you wish to peruse any of their collections.

Digital Cameras and Computers

Use of a digital camera is permitted, but a charge is made to people taking advantage of this service.  Use of flash is not permitted and a copyright declaration form must be filled out.

Two computers are publicly accessible, providing access to some websites containing local sources and CASCAT, their online catalogue.

Accessibility

Disabled access to the Office is available, and a hearing loop is also operational.

Facilities

A drinks machine is available in the adjacent library.

Many publications are also available in the Office.

Twitter Account

Cumbria Archives has a Twitter Account at @CumbriaArchives, which gives details regarding Barrow Archives.

Readers’ Tickets

Barrow Archives accepts the Archives Card

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For details of other Record Offices in Lancashire, please visit my pages regarding Greater Manchester County Record Office and Lancashire Record Office.