Archives and Local Studies

Barnsley Archives and Local Studies exists to preserve and make available historic records and printed material relating to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough. Archives and Local Studies were originally two distinct departments, but 2008 marks the tenth anniversary of the two being physically united on one floor of the Central Library.

The department holds a wealth of records and information. Original documents, along with copies of items held elsewhere such as parish registers, title deeds, wills, photographs, maps and newspapers are all available for public access.

We hope that this site will answer most questions about the resources available and the work of the department. If you have any further questions or comments about the service, please do not hesitate to email us at archives@barnsley.gov.uk.

Barnsley Archives and Local Studies are pleased to be a partner in the Experience Barnsley project, which aims to create an exciting and inspiring heritage centre inside the Town Hall.

Latest news: Barnsley Archives and Local Studies are delighted to announce that customers can now access the Ancestry website free of charge at the Central Library and at branch libraries. It can make family history research much easier as it includes the census records for England, Wales and Scotland from 1841 to 1901, as well as the Birth, Marriage and Death records for England and Wales from 1837-2005. Other useful resources available on the site include British telephone directories dating back to 1880 and a whole host of military records.

We also wish to let all our customers know that we will be closing for an hour each day over the lunchtime period from 1.00pm - 2.00pm, from Monday, July 21st. The rest of the Central Library, including the cafe, will remain open during this time. This closure will free up staff to undertake valuable developmental work.

Searchable Databases

• Baptisms
• Burlands
• Wills and Probate