Archives & Research
The Nat archives and library contain hundreds of books, documents, photographs, maps and plans relating to Bacup. We have a well stocked library of local history books pamphlets and gazetteers along with other research collections, on local mills, mines, public houses and chapels,that were compiled by late members. The collection includes a wide variety of documents ( some only available to members only) including the parish relief book of 1864, booklets, leaflets and service documents from both World Wars, adverts, receipts, letter heads, diaries, scrapbooks, ledgers, invitations, certificates and menu cards.
Our full newspaper archive is once again available to view in the Nat library as well as online on our Rossendale Newspaper Archive, a kind donation and legacy from the late Mr Peter Fisher. Along with the Bacup Times and some Free Press’s we have all editions of the Bacup Echo and the Bacup and Stacksteads Chronicle.
Life through the Lens
Our photograph collection includes over 5,000 images ranging from glass plate negatives, lantern slides, photograph and postcard albums and individual photographs of all sizes. covering various topics such as transport, mills, churches and people. They provide an invaluable pictorial record of Bacup and Stacksteads streets, shops, businesses, houses, people, events, buildings and organisations, making up an interesting collection depicting the life and times of the people and the past of Bacup and Stacksteads and surrounding areas.
If you have a photograph you can’t identify call in and see us. There is a good chance one of our members could help you!
“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”
Rudyard Kipling
Family History
We have various documents to aid you in your family history research.
Our Family History Group meets every Thursday in the NAT rooms, please email us to join.
The NAT Resource Area
We have a very comfortable resource area with free WIFI, two computers, printers and photocopiers which can be used for free by members to search our image collection, documents maps and other sources of information.
Prints of photographs and documents can be obtained for a small charge. Access to the full archives is limited for non-members. Our resource area can also be hired for small meetings please email for more information.
Make a donation.
Keeping Bacup's History Alive
As with all businesses and charities facing an uncertain future due to the huge rise in utility costs, we need our supporters now more than ever to ensure our continued survival and your donations and support really do make a difference. Your donations ensure we can continue to care for our collections, run exhibitions and events, and provide school visits and family activities.