Flintshire Record Office

FLINTSHIRE RECORD OFFICE, ALONG WITH DENBIGHSHIRE RECORD OFFICE, ARE NOW KNOWN AS NORTH EAST WALES ARCHIVES, BUT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS PAGE IS STILL ACCURATE FOR THIS BRANCH

Flintshire Record Office was established in 1951 and moved to its present location at the Old Rectory, Hawarden, in 1956, which is an 18th century grade II listed building.

The aims of the Record Office are to preserve and collect resources relating to the history of Flintshire to safeguard them for present and future generations, to list and store these historical records, and to make them accessible to the public.

These resources date from the thirteenth century to modern times, and include books and periodicals, census returns, diaries, documents, journals, letters, manuscripts, maps and plans, newspapers, personal papers and photographs.

Documents and manuscripts include records from Flintshire County Council, quarter sessions and magistrates’ courts, families and estates, churches and chapels, clubs and societies, and organisations and businesses.

Whether you are interested in the history of Flintshire or your local area, conducting research for a school, college or university assignment, finding information about house history or tracing your family history you will find the documents useful.  

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always willing to help should you require advice and assistance.

Information about Flintshire Record Office

Collections

For information regarding their collections, please visit their Home Page and their Catalogues and Indexes page.   Collections held by the Office include:

• Bishop’s Transcripts
• Census Returns
• Hospital Records
• Parish Registers
• Probate Indexes
• Reference Books
• School Records
• Tithe Apportionments

The Office also has a large photographic collection, containing nearly 10000 images.  Some of these images can be viewed through their account with Flickr.  If you wish to purchase some of the photographs in their collection, the Office can provide information regarding their prices and how to pay.

Opening Hours

Opening Hours can be found by going to their opening times page.

Booking in Advance

You have to book before visiting to avoid disappointment because space is limited.  The Glynne-Gladstone collection (ref:GG) is stored off-site making it essential to order documents from this collection at least two working days prior to your visit because they have to be transferred to the Office.

You have to book a map table in advance of your visit to look at ordnance survey maps, tithe maps, abandoned mine plans or estate maps etc.  

If you are planning to look at tithe apportionments alongside tithe maps, it is essential to book a microfilm reader as well as a map table because they are held on microfilm.

Location and Directions

Car Parking is available in front of the building.  If you have mobility issues, you may park in the staff car parking area.

Hawarden station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Record Office.  Walking down the main road takes you to the village centre.  Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and then go right until you reach the post office.  

Rectory Lane is by the side of the post office to the left.  If you continue to walk down Rectory Lane, you will come to some gates.  The Old Rectory is in front of you after you walk through the gates.  The Office is at the end of this building.

You may get a bus to Hawarden from Chester Railway Station, and you should leave the bus opposite the Glynne Arms public house, and follow the same directions from Rectory Lane as mentioned above.

Photography

You need to purchase a photography permit to take photographs of documents.  It may not always be possible to take photographs of documents because they can be fragile and taking photographs could damage them.

Accessibility

The entrance to the Office, searchroom and toilets are all situated on the ground floor, and are wheelchair accessible.  An automatic door, which has a push button to open, is convenient for the disabled, and provides access to the searchroom.

Refreshments

A drinks machine is available which serves tea, coffee and hot chocolate. No food is sold, so you will need to bring food with you or if you prefer there are several eating establishments in the village which are within walking distance.

Publications

Many publications and other items are available for sale, which include:

• Guide to the Parish Registers of Clwyd
• Industry in Clwyd
• Llangollen Directory
• Flintshire in Old Photographs
• Greenfield Valley
• Mold in Old Photographs
• Parish Registers of Wales
• Postcards
• Posters
• Printed Maps
• Ruthin Gaol
• The Tithe War

Readers’ Tickets

Flintshire Archives accepts the Archives Card