The Chetham Society is the oldest historical society in North-West England, and the second most senior historical society in the North.
The Chetham Society is the oldest historical society in North-West England, and the second most senior historical society in the North.
It was founded in 1843 by a group of gentlemen of a ‘literary and historical turn’ who wished to promote interest in, and access to, the counties’ rich historical source materials.
The Society held its first meeting at Manchester’s historic Chetham’s Library, established in 1653 by the will of Humphrey Chetham (1580-1653), where the Society’s Annual General Meetings are still held today.
The founders adopted the name Chetham in honour of Humphrey Chetham because he – more than any other individual – was a patron, philanthropist, and benefactor of learning in the region.
The Society’s founders intended to publish ‘Remains Historical and Literary connected with the Palatine Counties of Lancaster and Chester’, namely to produce editions of important documents relating to the two counties.
Whilst some literary works were published during the Society’s early years, the focus of its publishing has been largely historical.
Since the 1870s, the Society’s primary emphasis has been on local and regional history, and the scope of its publishing activities has widened to include not only editions of primary sources but also the fruits of original research in the form of monographs, shorter papers, and postgraduate theses.
Adopted 23 March 1843 and Amended 1986, 1988, and 1994