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Glasgow City Archives

​Welcome to the City Archives

Here you can enjoy the wonderful documentary heritage of Glasgow and the west of Scotland over eight centuries.

The City Archives holds many records to help the family historian progress beyond the basics. They allow you to add vital genealogical information and to connect and identify with your ancestors, as you discover details of their daily lives and times.

Glasgow City Archive collections

View all research guides here

Below are records of particular interest to genealogists

  • Poor Law from 1845

    This guide covers Glasgow and other areas in the west of Scotland

  • Schools, Pupils and Teachers

    This guide covers more than 300 schools in the area

  • Non-conformist Churches, including Clergy

    Including the Church of Scotland and seceding churches, the Episcopal Church, and many other denominations (but not including Roman Catholic or Jewish records)

  • Burial Lair and Cremation Registers

    Find the final resting place of your ancestors by using burial, lair and cremation registers

  • Police Officers

    A brief guide to our archives of police personnel records.

  • Valuation Rolls

    This guide covers property in towns and county areas in Glasgow and the west of Scotland over 300 years.

  • Business Records

    A guide for tracing ancestors using our large collection of business archives for Glasgow City and the surrounding areas.

  • Family and Estate Records

    A guide to using family and estate archives to discover evidence of your ancestor's connection to the landed classes.

Visiting Glasgow City Archives

Access to the City Archives is currently by appointment only.

To request an appointment, please complete the Archives Appointment Booking Form  and email to archives@glasgowlife.org.uk.

If you do not have access to email, please call Glasgow City Archives on 0141 287 2910.

The Archives is open 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Thursday, and you must book at least one week in advance.