Collections

Explore the story of Wakefield district through our free online archives

Visit the Image Search to discover more than 15,000 photographs, maps, postcards, prints, memorabilia and other historic treasures from Wakefield Libraries and partner collections. Browse images that capture the people, places and events that have shaped the district, past and present.  Since 2003, the archive has expanded far beyond its original 9,000 images, helping people around the world discover, explore and celebrate the heritage of Wakefield district.

Whether you are conducting academic research, fact-checking a specific historical reference, or simply curious, the Manuscripts Collection search allows you to look beyond the titles and dive straight into handwritten or primary content. 

Explore We Will Remember Them, a digital war memorial sharing the stories of people from the Wakefield district who served in the conflicts of the 20th century. 

Researched and written by local people and family historians, this unique archive reveals the impact of war on our communities through personal stories, photographs, postcards, service records and treasured family documents.

Since 2007, hundreds of stories of bravery, sacrifice and loss have been collected, preserving the experiences of local men and women and the families and communities whose lives were shaped by war. Together, they form a lasting memorial to Wakefield district's wartime heritage.