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

Glen Mill Prisoner of War Camp

2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the closure of the Glen Mill Prisoner of War Camp near Wellyhole Street, Oldham. Oldham Local Studies and Archives are currently trying to collect as much information as possible to ensure that memories of the camp are not lost forever and to form part of a display about the history of the camp and its inmates, which will be opening in June.

Glen Mill became a Prisoner of War Camp shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. The camp housed mainly Germans but there were also Italians, Austrians, Poles, Dutch and a few Spanish. Eventually, over 6000 prisoners were housed there. The camp was also used for displaced persons at the end of the war.

Although there were a few escape attempts, most prisoners were recaptured almost immediately. However, on one occasion two prisoners got as far as Ringway Aerodrome; while one prisoner is reputed to have got back to Germany before being recaptured in Hamburg.

If you have any information about Glen Mill camp and its inmates Oldham Local Studies and Archives would like to hear from you.

The display featuring Glen Mill Prisoner of War Camp will be open to the public from Saturday 21 June.

Family History

Do you need help with family history?

Experienced family historians from the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society are on hand every Wednesday from 2.00pm - 4.00pm at Oldham Local Studies and Archives to help with any queries or problems you may have . There is no need to book and beginners are welcome.

If you are unable to come on Wednesdays there will be an additional session  on Saturday 12th July from 10.00am - 1.00pm.

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