Introduction
to the Centre for North-West Regional Studies
The Centre for North-West Regional Studies was founded in 1973. It is widely respected, regionally, nationally and internationally for its postgraduate courses, publications, events and archive. The Centre is involved in a programme of regular activities that are open to the public. These include a series of study days on various subjects, guided excursions, an annual archaeology forum and periodic workshops. It also runs Postgraduate courses in Lake District Studies - at Certificate, Diploma and MA level - and a Certificate in Regional and Local History. The Centre's own small publishing house specialises in producing high-quality and reasonably priced books and pamphlets on the history, literature, geography, archaeology and culture of the North West. It also produces an annual publication, CeNtre WoRdS, the most recent edition of which is available on this website. The Elizabeth Roberts Oral History Archive which is housed in the Centre contains transcripts of recorded interviews and questionnaires relating to social and family life; original sound recordings are also accessible. The Penny Summerfield Oral History Archive which is housed in the Centre contains transcripts of recorded interviews and questionnaires relating to childhood and schooling in Lancashire; original sound recordings are also accessible. ############################## Those interested in supporting the work of the Centre are invited to become Friends or Patrons of the Centre. In return for paying an annual subscription they can buy copies of all our publications at substantially reduced prices and are entitled to discounted fees for all study days and other events.

The objectives of the Centre are to:
  • encourage, develop and co-ordinate research related to the North-West of England
  • store and disseminate information relevant to research
  • develop contacts with learned bodies and members of the professions and the public pursuit of these aims
  • organise, teach and supervise in these areas at the relevant undergraduate and postgraduate level.


  • The Centre's operations are overseen by the Academic Advisory Committee. The current membership of this committee comprises:

    Chair: Dr Angus Winchester (Department of History)
    Deputy Chair: Marion McClintock (University Archivist)


    Dr Alan Crosby (Honorary Research Fellow, co-opted)
    Professor Tony Gattrell (Representative of the School of Health and Medicine)
    Clare Powne (University Librarian and Director of CNWRS, ex officio)
    Graham Rand (Representative of the Management School)
    Dr Sam Riches (Co-ordinator, CNWRS, ex officio)
    Dr Pete Sawyer (Representative of the Faculty of Science and Technology)
    Professor David Shotter (Emeritus Professor of Roman Imperial History, co-opted)
    Dr John Welshman (Representative of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)
    Professor Ian Whyte (Lancaster Environment Centre and Co-Director of CNWRS Academic Programmes)
    Professor Stephen Wildman (Representative of the Library)
    Dr Mike Winstanley (Department of History, co-opted)

    In attendance: Dr Elizabeth Roberts (former Director of CNWRS, by invitation)
    Christine Wilkinson (Administrator, CNWRS)

    Homepage
    University Homepage
    Introduction to CNWRS
    Events
    Postgraduate Courses including Regional and Local History
    CNWRS Books
    Friends & Patrons
    Archives
    Gallery
    Conference Papers
    CeNtre WoRdS
    Order Form
    Director:
    Clare Powne

    Centre Co-ordinator:
    Dr Sam Riches

    Centre Administrator:
    Christine Wilkinson

    Lancaster University
    Fylde College
    Lancaster
    LA1 4YF
    United Kingdom
    Tel: +44 (0)1524 65201
    Direct Line:
    +44 (0)1524 593770
    Extension: 92150/93770