Subjects & Service Areas

Books

The Local Studies Library attempts to maintain a comprehensive collection of books specifically about the towns of Tameside, but it is also a research collection for relevant aspects of social and economic history such as textiles, transport, labour history, women's history, and Lancashire dialect. Works relating to Lancashire, Cheshire and the North West in general are also held. The library also takes a wide range of journals. For further information on printed sources relating to Tameside, see the Tameside Bibliography 583.97 KB

Newspapers

The local newspapers from 1855 to date, the Manchester Guardian from 1821 to 1864, and the Cotton Factory Times from 1885 to 1937 are available on microfilm.

Census Records

Enumerators' Returns for all the districts now in Tameside for 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, and 1901 are available on microfilm. There is a street index for all the census returns and surname indexes for some areas are also available. The 1881 census surname index for all English counties is also available on microfiche. Visit the family history page for more details.

Parish Registers

Registers for many of the local churches, including some Nonconformist chapels, are available on microfilm. The International Genealogical Index for Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire is available on microfiche. Visit the Family history page for a full list of Tameside parish records held at Tameside Local Studies and Archives Unit.

Maps

The map collection includes small-scale county maps from 1577, as well as a wide range of Ordnance Survey maps and plans from 1843 to date. Scales range from 1" to 60". Copies of tithe maps for most of the Cheshire townships of the Tameside area are also held.

Photographs

There is a large collection of photographs, old and new, of the area and its people, and a small collection of engravings, posters and broadsheets. Copies of many old photographs can be purchased. A large part of the collection is digitised and is available for viewing and purchase on the internet. Visit the image archive. Local history slide packs, exhibitions, and slide packs designed for reminiscence work are available for loan. Copies of individual photographs can be ordered, subject to copyright restrictions.

Archives

The library holds a wide range of records which document the history of Tameside. The surviving local authority records of the nine towns make up a large part of the holdings. However, many local organisations - including churches, hospitals, schools, Mechanics Institutes, trade unions, and Turnpike Trusts - have deposited records with the library, as well as the Manchester Regiment. In addition, many individuals have donated personal papers, and local history societies and local businesses have deposited their archives. You can visit Archives On-Line which you can search to see a list of Tameside's recent archival accessions. You can also visit the PRO's Access to Archives database A2A . The database allows you to search and browse for information about archives in England, dating from the 900s to the present day, including Tameside. On the search screen choose Tameside Archive Service in the dropdown list entitled Location of Archives and click on the search button.

Oral History Tapes

Recordings include about 100 interviews with elderly residents of Tameside, recalling life in the area during the early 20th century. The library also holds tapes recorded by the former Manchester Studies Unit during the period 1974-1984, which explore themes such as domestic service, the cotton industry, and the Spanish Civil War. The collection also includes commercially-produced sound recordings by local musicians. Visit the sound recordings page for more details.

Photocopying facilities are available.

Owing to very heavy demand, you are urged to book a microfilm reader in advance of your visit for any of the above sources which might require its use. Please use the contact details below.

The library is continually adding to its collections and is anxious to obtain any local material. If you have any photographs, postcards, records of local organisations, or any items of local interest, you are invited to deposit them with the Local Studies Library. If you do not wish to donate pictures, etc., arrangements can be made to produce copies for the library.

Important: Please include your name and postal address when you send us a message as this will help us provide a full response to your enquiry.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Tameside Local Studies and Archive Centre Central Library Old Street Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7SG View local map
0161 342 4242