Today, the Society continues to publish original research, support new scholarship, organise talks and field visits, and promote understanding of one of Britain’s most historically significant regions.

“We aim to use technology to keep the society alive and moving forward, while always retaining the human presence.”

A Society Born from Change

The Society was established during the rapid industrialisation of the late nineteenth century. Concerned that historic buildings, landscapes and traditions were disappearing, local antiquarians came together in Manchester in 1883 to promote the study of Lancashire and Cheshire’s history and archaeology.

Its interests have always been broad, spanning prehistory to the present day and covering archaeology, social and economic history, architecture, transport, local customs and folklore.

Publishing Research Since 1884

One of the Society’s greatest strengths has been its long-running journal, Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, first published in 1884.

Over the decades, the journal has recorded important archaeological discoveries, industrial heritage investigations and new historical research from across the region. More recently, it has continued to provide a platform for archaeologists documenting the changing landscape of North West England.

Transactions have now been published for more than 140 years.

Exploring the Region

Alongside its publications, the Society organises regular talks and field visits.

Recent activities have included an in-depth exploration of Hoghton Tower near Preston, combining specialist talks with site visits, as well as visits to historic sites such as Wythenshawe Hall and Wardley Hall.

A new “1927 Project” is also being developed, revisiting locations explored by Society members a century ago and comparing them with the present day.

A new “1927 Project” will revisit locations explored by Society members 100 years ago and compare them with the present day.

Supporting New Research

The Society actively supports research through grants and has recently funded projects by graduate and PhD students. Recent support has included work recording historic graffiti at Hoghton Tower. The Society has visited Hoghton Tower repeatedly since 1885 and intends to keep returning, having found there is still far more of its history left to explore.

Embracing the Digital Age

In 2024, the Society digitised editions of its Transactions from 1883 to 2006, making them available through a members’ area on its website. A Digital Membership option now provides access to both these archives and the Society’s programme of online talks.

More than a century of Transactions, dating back to 1883, have now been digitised and made available online.

Raising Its Profile

Like many local history societies, LCAS faces the ongoing challenge of attracting new members and raising its profile. Digital Membership has proved a useful tool here, appealing particularly to younger people who want access to research without committing to full membership. The Society's new Newsletter is part of the same effort, aiming to introduce LCAS to a wider audience and encourage new members to get involved.

Find Out More

Website: landcas.org.uk

Facebook: Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society

Membership information, publications and upcoming events can all be found on the Society's website. For membership enquiries, contact Sue Peebles at landcasociety@gmail.com.

Take Part in Society in Focus

This feature is the first in a new Society in Focus series from BALH, highlighting the work of local history societies from across the country.

Every society has its own story to tell, whether through research projects, publications, events, archives, community engagement or simply the dedication of its members.

If your society would like to be featured in a future Society in Focus article, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please contact the BALH Digital Team at digitalteam@balh.org.uk.