Family sources at Bolton Archives
Before you visit:
Many of our records are on microfilm (reels of film) or microfiche
(flat cards) and it is advisable to book a microfiche or microfilm
reader in advance of your visit.
Please check the availability of Archives materials before visiting to avoid disappointment. Booking is required on certain days
Call us on 01204 332185 to arrange a booking.
Bolton Archives and Local Studies Unit has extensive records of use to inquisitive family historians.
National records and indexes
Although the bulk of our holdings relate specifically to Bolton and district (including Blackrod, Farnworth, Horwich, Kearsley, Little Lever, Turton and Westhoughton), some national family history sources have also been acquired. These include:
- microform copies of the General Register Office (“St Catherine’s House”) Index
- the 1881 census returns for the whole of England and Wales
- the International Genealogical Index (I.G.I.) for the United Kingdom and Ireland and the National Probate Index
Archive material
Apart from the material listed in detail in this section, Bolton Archive and Local Studies Unit also has large collections of original archives of:
- families
- estates
- businesses
- societies
- trade unions
- religious and political organisations
- private individuals
- printed books
- articles
- pamphlets
- periodicals
- photographs
- maps and plans relating to the Bolton area
In addition to the catalogues and lists, the Archive and Local Studies Unit has compiled extensive surname indexes to biographical newscuttings and obituaries and to many useful archive sources, including apprenticeship indentures, poor law affiliation, settlement and removal papers, police records and title deeds.
Please note that we are not able to undertake research on behalf of the public, but a list of professional record agents who operate in the Bolton area can be supplied on request.
- Boyd's Marriage Index
- Burgess Rolls
- Cemetery Registers
- Census Returns
- Church of England Registers
- Civil Registration Returns
- Directories
- Electoral Registers
- Genealogical Websites
- General Register Office Index
- International Genealogical Index
- Map of Ancient Parishes and Townships
- Nonconformist Registers
- Old Scottish Parish Register Index
- Poll Books
- Probate Indexes
- Rate Books and Valuation lists
- Roman Catholic Registers
- School Admission Registers
- Sources on CD ROM
- Useful Addresses
- Workhouse Registers
