Stained glass window from the main staircase, Wirral Museum, depicting the visit of Edward II to Birkenhead Priory in 1277.

The Archives are located on the first floor of Wirral Museum, Town Hall, Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 5BR [map]. Entry is via the ground floor entrance to the museum, the Archives can be accessed by the main staircase, or via a lift suitable for disabled access.

By train: From Hamilton Square Station (Wirral Line) turn right and the museum is located at the head of Hamilton Square, approx 1 minutes walk.

By car: Parking spaces for 2 hours located around Hamilton Square. A parking disc must be displayed (available at the front desk of Wirral Museum)

Archives opening hours:

Thursday 10.00am - 5.00pm (lunchtime closure 1.00-1.30pm)
Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm (lunchtime closure 1.00-1.30pm)
Due to staff shortages, Wirral Archives will not be opening on Saturdays for the forseeable future

It is best to telephone to book a seat or reader to examine the archives, as space is limited. You will be asked to show some form of identification and to sign in the visitors' book.

Please check with staff that the document you want is held in the main building, as some documents need to be pre ordered from the archive store. It is usually preferable to contact the Archives Office prior to your visit.

Charges:

Entry to Wirral Museum and Wirral Archives is free of charge. There is no charge to access and view original archives.

However, certain charges do apply, including:

Use of microfilm/microfiche machines: 50p per session
Access to internet: Free for the first half hour, then 50p per half hour
Photocopying: 10p per A4 sheet; 20p per A3 sheet

Click here for full list of charges.