Wrexham Archives and Local Studies facts for kids

This is the County Buildings, where the Wrexham Archives are located.

The Wrexham Archives and Local Studies (often called the Wrexham Archives) is a special place that keeps important historical records for the city of Wrexham. Think of it like a giant memory bank for the city! These archives are located at the County Buildings on Regent Street in Wrexham. They are managed by the Wrexham County Borough Council and work together with the Wrexham County Borough Museum. The archives first opened their doors in 2002. They were once named after a famous local historian, Alfred Neobard Palmer, who loved learning about Wrexham's past.

What You Can Discover at Wrexham Archives

The Wrexham Archives hold many different types of records. These documents help us learn about people, places, and events from long ago. Here are some of the cool things you can find there:

Family History Records

If you're interested in finding out about your ancestors or how people lived in the past, these records are super helpful:

• Census Records: These are like old surveys that counted everyone living in Wrexham from 1841 to 1901. They can tell you who lived where and what they did for a living. You can also find some census records for nearby areas like Denbighshire and Flintshire.
• Parish Registers: These old church books record important events like births, marriages, and deaths for people in Wrexham's parishes. They are a great way to trace family lines.
• Cemetery Databases: These lists help you find information about people buried in Wrexham Cemetery (from 1876 to 2000) and Gresford Cemetery (from 1917 to 2000).
• Probate Indexes: These records from 1858 to 1943 show who inherited property after someone passed away. They can give clues about families and their wealth.
• Old Lists of Voters: Called Burgess rolls and Electoral Lists, these show who was allowed to vote from 1857 onwards. They can help you see who lived in the area and was involved in local decisions.

Local History Resources

The archives also have many items that tell the story of Wrexham itself:

• Newspapers: You can read old newspapers from around 1850 onwards. They are a fantastic way to see what life was like, what news was important, and even what ads people saw!
• Trade Directories: These books from 1818 to 1974 are like old phone books or business listings. They show what shops, businesses, and people lived in Wrexham at different times.
• Books on Wrexham's History: The archives have many books written about the history of Wrexham County Borough. These are great for school projects or just learning more about your local area.
• Old Maps: You can look at Ordnance Survey Maps from 1872 to the 1970s, as well as Tithe maps and Alan Godfrey old maps. These maps show how Wrexham and its surrounding areas have changed over time. You can see how towns grew, where farms were, and how roads developed.

Digital Access and More

The Wrexham Archives also offer modern ways to explore history:

• Internet Access: You can use their computers to access special websites for family history and other historical research.
• Monumental Inscriptions: These are records of what is written on gravestones, which can provide valuable family information.