Archives and manuscripts

Search for records of our archives, manuscripts, photos and prints

Chetham’s Library is open to readers and we work with researchers from all over the world.

You will need to make an appointment to use the collections.

With the support of our friends at the Booth Charities, we have put our new archives and manuscripts catalogue online. The system is Axiell IMu. Please search the system for things of interest to you, and do let us know your feedback. We recommend you try single keyword searches in the first instance, e.g. ‘Worsley’, ‘Schools’, ‘Processions’.

Our catalogue of books and printed items is still the best place to go for records of manuscript books. You’ll find records for all our major archival collections, usually down to item level; 1000s of records with images for our Belle Vue collection and hundreds of records for material concerning Salford’s people and the life of the city past and present.