Collections Development Policy

2. Scope of existing archive collections

2.1 Lancashire Archives holds more than 5348 separate archive collections in a variety of formats. They document the county’s diverse history and culture from the twelfth century to the present day and include the archives of individuals, families, organisations, local authorities and businesses in Lancashire, reflecting the changing landscape, communities and economy over nine centuries.

2.2 The archive collections include material covering the pre-1974 county of Lancashire - the historic County Palatine of Lancaster - which stretched from South Lakeland to Merseyside, Manchester and Warrington. Many of the collections are of national and international importance as well as regional and local significance.

2.3 Today, Lancashire Archives collects unique and irreplaceable archives and other relevant material of enduring historic value relating to the areas administered by Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. It preserves them and makes them available for use so that people and communities can explore their heritage.

2.4 Lancashire Archives accepts regular transfers of material from the Records Management service of Lancashire County Council in accordance with agreed retention schedules or following appraisal.

2.5 Lancashire Archives offers facilities for organisations and individuals to deposit or donate archive collections for safekeeping, and for the benefit of research, in accordance with our current terms of agreement for the donation and deposit of records. We prefer to receive archives and other material as gifts, although we accept long-term loans and make occasional acquisitions by purchase. The Friends of Lancashire Archives support us with grant funding where this is required.

2.6 The main types of official archives we collect are:

• local authority archives including those of Lancashire County Council, district and parish councils, and their predecessors, including Quarter Sessions and Poor Law unions
• Public Records for which Lancashire Archives is the appointed the place of deposit. These are from organisations funded by central government such as hospitals, prisons and new towns
• archives relating to all faiths and religious groups
• tithe maps and schedules
• manorial records

2.7 Lancashire Archives also collects archives from private individuals, organisations and businesses. These include:

• records of clubs and societies and charitable organisations
• records of local community groups
• business archives
• personal and family papers, including letters, diaries and photographs
• archives of trade unions, political parties and pressure groups

2.8 We also collect other material which complements the archive collections, including:

• books and other printed material –the Lancashire Printed Collection
• photographs and other image formats
• ephemera
• copies of significant archives relating to Lancashire but held elsewhere

2.9 Occasionally, we may accept artefacts which relate specifically to archive collections, in consultation with Lancashire County Museums Service; for example medals, awards, or textiles.

2.10 Lancashire Archives will always aim to identify the most appropriate repository for archives it is offered and is mindful of the collecting policies of other local and regional organisations.