Knowsley
Archives Service

Knowsley Archives Service, based in The ARK: Archive Resource for Knowsley, is the archive for Knowsley Council. We collect material that reveals the history of the communities, people and places that make up the Borough.

Located in the Kirkby Centre, the Archive is a unique resource for researchers. Officially designated as a place of deposit and an accredited archive service, we are home to a wide range of collections of local, regional and national importance.

Collections include hospital and petty sessions public records, Knowsley Council and its predecessor authorities material, manorial records, manuscripts, legal records, certain school records, business records, clubs and societies, personal effects, photographs, ephemera, maps and plans. There is an extensive collection of oral history recordings covering aspects of 20th century life in Knowsley and a small moving images collection. Some key collections include the Malayan Teachers’ Training College, Kirkby Collection (including the Hilda Margaret Whitaker née Hodge Collection), the Prescot Grammar School Collection, the Robin McGhie Collection, and many more.

We offer a range of research and genealogy services, educational visits and community talks and often mount exhibitions featuring our collections.

Please contact us for more information and for details of our opening hours.

Henry Winstanley's Prescot Grammar School workbooks, 1858-1861