A UNIQUE behind the scenes tour of the Flintshire Record Office will give locals an insight into Welsh culture and history next month.

On Saturday, September 21, people will be afforded the opportunity to have an exclusive look around the Flintshire Record Office, based at the Old Rectory in Hawarden.

As part of the Wales-wide ‘Open Doors’ event organised by Cadw, visitors will be able to tour the building free of charge between 10.00am and 1.00pm.

It is hoped that the scheme offers both local residents and traveling visitors alike the chance to delve into and explore the hidden treasures of Welsh culture and history, while also discovering a range of local and family history records.

The Old Rectory is an eighteenth-century building set within its own grounds, which was home to the Rectors of Hawarden for over 200 years.

However, for the past 60 years it has housed the Flintshire Record Office, which preserves the county's unique archival heritage and makes it available to the public.

Two tours – lasting around 90 minutes - are scheduled to take place at the historic building on September 21 with the first commencing at 10.00am and the second starting at 11.45am.

Booking your place on this free event in advance is essential though, and you can do so by calling 01244 532364 or by emailing archives@flintshire.gov.uk.

Booking your place on one of the tours will also give you the chance to see the eight new volumes that were deposited by the Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades Association (RWFCA) recently. 

Similarly, two libraries in Wrexham will also host free and unique family history sessions in September 2019.