The Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire publishes the texts of historic documents relating to the two counties – everything from wills, deeds and inquests to letters and financial accounts. Each volume includes a scholarly introduction to the text.

We are governed by a Council of Trustees.

Our Vision and Mission
We aim to promote understanding of, and public interest in, the history of Lancashire and Cheshire – including Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Preston – through the publication of historical records and other activities.

We do this by:

• producing an annual edition of texts of original documents, with detailed introductions, relating to the history of Lancashire and/or Cheshire
• ensuring that the texts we publish represent a broad geographical, chronological and thematic range of topics
• providing public access to the Society’s past editions (not including volumes published within the last ten years), without charge, on our website
• maintaining and extending our subscribing membership, both individual and institutional, in order to finance the annual volume
• holding an annual lecture (after the AGM), both as a benefit to members and to publicise the work of the Society
• publishing a blog on our website, with posts relating to the historical records of the region and to the Society’s activities
• producing an annual newsletter, reporting on the activities of the Society and others working on the historical records of Lancashire and Cheshire
• holding periodic book launches, to publicise the Society’s outputs
• supporting, where possible, the work of other organisations with a similar purpose
• using our website to promote other organisations committed to the history of Lancashire and Cheshire and its archival basis

Benefits of (individual) membership

• an annual hardback volume at a special members’ price (the £20 annual subscription)
• invitation to an annual historical lecture held in the spring of each year (following the AGM)
• meeting others interested in local history at the annual lecture
• regular updates on the work of the society (via newsletter and blog)
• invitations to book launches, providing an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about new publications
• knowing you have made a real contribution to the understanding of the history of Lancashire and Cheshire