The West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS) collects and looks after the unique document heritage of the region. It helps members of the public use and enjoy these records.
The service has offices in Wakefield, Bradford, Calderdale (Halifax), Kirklees (Huddersfield) and Leeds. It offers a free public service to visitors who want to explore our collections.
"We collect and preserve millions of records of all kinds. This dates from the twelfth century to the present day, over 800 years of history!"
There are:
- Business, trade union and friendly society archives.
- Records of local businesses and industries. This includes: textiles, banking, brewing, clay/brick working, clock making, coal mining, printing, stone quarrying and wire making.
- Family estate records, which include the world famous UNESCO award winning diaries of Anne Lister of Shibden Hall (1806-1840).
- A number of solicitors' collections, which include the papers of Robert Parker (an 18th century Halifax attorney).
- Local council records, which include Calderdale MBC and those bodies before it.
- Large amounts of non conformist church records.
How to find the Calderdale Office
The Calderdale search room is on the Lower Ground Floor of the Central Library and Archives (Halifax).
For details of opening hours and how to make an appointment, visit: Calderdale Archive Service Opening Times and Information (WYAS).
- West Yorkshire Archive Service: Calderdale office
- Email: calderdale@wyjs.org.uk
- Telephone: 0113 5350151
- West Yorkshire Archive Service
Central Library & Archives
Square Road
Halifax
HX1 1QG