Archives
The Cathedral Archives are situated on the mezzanine floor between Cathedral and Crypt and house both Cathedral and Archdiocesan Archives. The latter comprises bishops' papers from 1840 to 1996.
Some papers belonging to our early bishops are lodged at the Lancashire Record Office and consequently holdings are incomplete. There are comprehensive papers for Archbishops Downey, Beck and Worlock.
A 30 year rule operates on these papers and the Worlock Papers can only be accessed by special permission.
The following archives are also available :
St Joseph's Seminary, Upholland: 1883 - Closure 1987
Catholic Pictorial newspaper: 1962 - 1996
Parish Box Material: All dates
The Library includes bound volumes of all Diocesan Pastoral Letters; Pastoral Letters issued by other Dioceses; a full set of National Directories from 1794 - 2000 and a Newspaper Cuttings Library 1869 - 1975.
The Library also contains:
- National Media Office Papers
- National Union of Catholic Mothers Papers from the establishment of the Catholic Women's League of which UCM was an offshoot, to 2000.
- A collection of the letters of Teresa Higginson, the originals of which are at Ramsgate Abbey: these comprise photocopies bound in 12 volumes. They run from 1844 - 1905.
Please note that the archives do not hold any Parish Registers. Early Liverpool Parish registers are lodged at the Liverpool Record Office and Registers for Parishes outside of Liverpool at the Lancashire Record Office. Contemporary registers are held in the appropriate parish.
Access is by appointment and the Archive is open Monday - Wednesday from 9.00am - 4.30pm.
Contact the Archivist by email Dr Meg Whittle BA PhD or by phone 0151 709 9222 ext 242