Contact Details

West Glamorgan Archive Service

Neath Mechanics Institute
4 Church Place
Neath
SA11 3LL
Phone: 01639 620139
Email: westglam.archives@swansea.gov.uk
Website: www.swansea.gov.uk/westglamorganarchives

 

Finding us

The Neath Mechanics Institute is situated in Church Place, right in the centre of the town, near to St Thomas' Church.

Parking
Parking is not available in Church Place itself, but there is a multi-storey car park on Fairfield Way, about 10 minutes' walk away.

By Bus/Train
The railway station and bus station are both about 10 minutes' walk away. Both have taxi ranks if you do not wish to walk to the Mechanics Institute.

Find us on a Google map

 

Records held

The Neath Antiquarian Society Archives holds copy sources on microfilm and microfiche, maps and printed items of local interest relating to Neath and district as well as the archive collections of the Neath Antiquarian Society. These include local estate collections, Neath Borough records and the research papers of members of the Neath Antiquarian Society.

 

Opening times

Monday - Thursday 9.30 - 5pm
(closed 12.30 - 1.30 for lunch)

 

Accessibility

Neath Antiquarian Society Archives does not have wheelchair access but alternative provision can be made by appointment at Neath Civic Centre.

 

Facilities

Food: There are a variety of cafés and restaurants in Neath town centre close to the Mechanics Institute.
Toilets: There is a toilet in the Neath Mechanics Institute.
Shop:  there is a range of publications for sale, including books on local and family history, greetings and Christmas cards and maps and engravings.  

 

Appointments

There is no need to make an appointment to visit the archives to look at documents. However, advance booking is advisable if you are intending to use microform or computers.

 

Readers' Tickets

A Reader's Ticket is required for access to original material.  If you do not have a ticket then you will need to bring proof of identity which includes your address and signature (e.g. driving licence).  Readers must sign the searchroom register giving their name, address and the subject of their research. Signing the register constitutes an agreement to abide by the West Glamorgan Archives Rules and Regulations.

 

Lockers

Lockers are provided at reception. No coins are required.

 

Copying and use of cameras

Staff can provide photocopies, within copyright guidelines and providing this does not damage the document.  Fees apply. Cameras can be used to photograph documents, within the same guidelines.

 

Use of laptops

Personal laptops are allowed; there are a number of tables which have power supply sockets.

 

Research Service

A research service is available for those unable to visit the office.  The charge is £25 per hour (£12.50 for half-hour short searches).  Requests for research should be on the official order form with a cheque or postal order made payable to City and County of Swansea.

 

Children and young people

There is no lower age limit for use of the facilities.