Oldham Local Studies & Archives

Oldham Local Studies and Archives is dedicated to the collection and preservation of the archives, history and heritage of Oldham Metropolitan Borough, including the districts of Failsworth, Crompton, Royton, Chadderton, Lees and Saddleworth.

If you are interested in tracing the history of your family or your community, or want to find out what life was like 100 years ago, then Oldham Local Studies and Archives is here to help.

Current Events

Oldham Blue Coat School Celebrating 175 Years

Oldham Local Studies & Archives is hosting two events to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the opening of Oldham’s Blue Coat School.

The first event is an exhibition documenting the history of the school and its contribution to Oldham’s history. The exhibition opens on Saturday 16 May and will run until 30 October. The exhibition also marks the launch of a newly created archive catalogue detailing the extensive school archives.

The second event is a talk, which will look in more detail at the Blue Coat archive collection including how it can be used by researchers. The talk is on Wednesday 10 June at 6pm with archive viewing from 5.30pm.

The Blue Coat School was founded by a local wealthy hatter Thomas Henshaw who in his will of 1810 left £40,000 (£2.2 million as of 2009) for the endowment of a Blue Coat School. His will, however, did not include the cost of land or the building itself. Following a public meeting in 1825 a public appeal for funds was launched and offers of land were received.

Designed by architect Richard Lane, who was also responsible for the design of Oldham Parish Church, the foundation stone was laid in 1829 and the school opened in 1834. Between 100 and 130 boys boarded at Blue Coat until 1952 when it closed as a residential school and re-opened as a secondary modern day school accommodating around 400 pupils.

Oldham Local Studies and Archives holds the extensive archives of the school, including admission registers, log books, plans, old blues association records and photographs. Together they present a fascinating history of a school embedded in Oldham’s past and heritage.

Both events will be held at Oldham Local Studies and Archives, 84 Union Street, Oldham. Events are free and there is no need to book.

For further information contact Jo Robson at Oldham Local Studies and Archives on 0161 770 4654 or by email at joanne.robson@oldham.gov.uk

Future Events at Oldham Local Studies and Archives:

Wednesday 3 June, 7.00pm: Oldham Life History Project

Are you interested in preserving the story of your family history, the story of your life or the life of a relative?

The Oldham Life History Project aims to encourage people with an interest in local and family history to record for future generations the story of their family history, their own story, or the story of a relative.

With the use of modern computer technology it is now possible to compile biographies and autobiographies complete with reminiscences, photographs, and archival documents.

If you are interested in taking part in the project come along to Oldham Local Studies and Archives for advice and

Wednesday 10 June, 6.00pm: The Archives of Oldham Blue Coat School

A talk looking in more detail at the Blue Coat archive collection including how it can be used by researchers. Archive viewing from 5.30pm.

Wednesday 17 June, 7.00pm: Oldham History Group

Family History:

Saturday 13 June, 10.00am - 1.00pm: Family History Help Desk:

Do you need help with family history? Experienced family historians from the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society will be on hand  to help with any queries or problems you may have . There is no need to book and beginners are welcome.

Every Wednesday, 2.00pm - 4.00pm: Family History Help Desk

Future Events:

Saturday 14 November, 10.00am - 4.00pm: Oldham Family & Local History Day

Opening Hours

Monday          10.00am - 7.00pm

Tuesday         10.00am - 2.00pm

Wednesday    10.00am - 5.00pm

Thursday        10.00am - 7.00pm

Friday             10.00am - 5.00pm

Saturday        10.00am - 4.00pm

How to contact us

Address: Oldham Local Studies and Archives,

84 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DN

Telephone: 0161 770 4654

E-mail: archives@oldham.gov.uk

Nearest railway station: Oldham Mumps

Access for people with disabilities:

Wheelchair access. Ramped access to the building is available from Greaves Street.

A wheelchair accessible toilet is available.

Cultural Quarter

Oldham Local Studies and Archives forms part of the Oldham Cultural Quarter Development. Click here for more information on the Cultural Quarter.

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Oldham Council, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT.
Telephone 0161 770 3000