Wirral archives

Five miles of archives dating back centuries open to the public

Nov 15 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Five miles of archives dating back centuries open to the public

BOASTING five miles of documents covering local government, workhouses, schools hospitals and the courts, Wirral has officially opened its archives.

The new premises at the Cheshire Lines building on Canning Street, Birkenhead, features a spacious search room, with microfilm and microfiche readers and computers to support research into local history.

The compelling documents, including details about the world-famous Cammell Laird shipbuilders, as well as photographs, maps, plans and local newspapers date back to the 19th Century.

Leader of Wirral Council Cllr Steve Foulkes said: ?These premises are allowing us to provide a much better service by combining important, historic documents with modern technology.

?People will be impressed by the thousands of documents available; the oldest being a medieval title deed for Wallasey dating back to 1447.?

Wirral Archive Service is running free Saturday morning workshops.