The London Archives
Explore London's Story
Plan Your Visit
Explore London's Story
Search the catalogue
Explore London's Story
Help With Your Research1000 Years of London's History
The London Archives is a free public archive focussing on the history of London from 1067 to the present day. You can visit us to enjoy exploring millions of historical manuscripts, maps, photographs, books and films. Or connect with and be inspired by our exhibitions, events and workshops. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome.
Explore your story. Uncover London's history. Discover The London Archives.
What's new?
Find out about the latest stories from the archives, events and our exhibitions programme...
What's On
Archives After Hours: Ada Campe Dallies in the Stacks
Music Hall Entertainment
15 Oct 2026 - 15 Oct 2026 | £20-25
Registration
You can search our archive catalogue any time, but in order to access original documents, you need to register for a History Card. Find out more about the services we offer, and how to access our collections.
Events
Our events programme has something for everyone, from history workshops to behind the scenes tours. For a full list of our upcoming events visit Eventbrite.
What's On
Archives After Hours: Ada Campe Dallies in the Stacks
Music Hall Entertainment
Ada Campe and The London Archives present an evening of stories, songs, and treasures inspired by London’s music hall and cabaret nightlife. Join us after hours at The London Archives for an evening of mischief, music, and theatrical invention as award-winning variety artiste Ada Campe brings London’s rich entertainment past back to life in a bespoke performance.
What's On
The Irish in Britain’s Capital - from 1800 to the present
Talk
Irish people have shaped London’s life for centuries, driven by survival, ambition and exile. In this talk, City of London Guide Sean Cranitch explores striking episodes from 1800 to today, from hunger and persecution to success and reinvention. Stories span faith, politics, labour, culture and community, revealing how Irish lives transformed both the capital and themselves.
What's On
Celebrity Freedom of the City - Famous Faces and Hidden Stories
Talk
Murray Craig was the Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court between 1997 and 2022, this unique role involved conducting the ancient ceremony of admitting people to the Freedom of the City of London. During his time in office he admitted over 43,000 people, many were associated with Livery Companies but he came across many famous and influential figures such as Morgan Freeman, Joanna Lumley, the Archbishop of Canterbury and many more. In this light hearted talk Murray will talk about his memories of these high profile ceremonies.
What's On
Archives on Show: Sources for Architectural Research
Document Viewing
Our Archives on Show events are a chance for us to show you the wide range of material we hold at The London Archives. Whether you are new to archives and curious to see what we hold, or you are an experienced researcher that wants to learn more, these relaxed events offer a chance for you to see a selection of original materials on a changing monthly theme. Explore rich resources for researching London’s buildings in this hands-on session.
Workshop
Focus on Family History - September
Talk
New to the The London Archives? Every month we guide you though some of our major family history resources, and help you get to know your way around.
What's On
Archives On Show: London's Dead
Document Viewing
Explore our rich collection of records relating to burials and funerals in this hands-on event. In October we will be exploring records relating to London's dead - including burials, churchyards, funerals and funerary traditions and London's great cemeteries.Exhibitions and displays
The London Archives has a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year. We run these in Clerkenwell and at our partner site at the Heritage Gallery in the Guildhall Art Gallery. Look out for our summer outdoor exhibitions too!
What's On
Clendinning's Islington
Until August 2026
Experience the life and designs of architect Max Clendinning inside and around his London home in this unique display of photographs from RIBA and The London Archives
What's On
Spotlight on Medieval London
6 July to 17 December 2026
This free small display showcases some of the rich medieval material in our collections.
What's On
The Londoners
Portraits of a City at Work from 1447-1989
Visit our free outdoor exhibition 'The Londoners: Portraits of a City at Work from 1447-1980' at Peters Hill from Monday 29 June until Sunday 26 July. It will move to St Paul's Churchyard from Monday 27 July until Monday 24 August 2026.
Exhibition
'America and London' display
From 2 May until 29 October at Guildhall
In this free display at the City of London Heritage Gallery at Guildhall Yard - we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrate some of the links between America and London. Please note this is not at The London Archives.Blogs and stories
Explore stories and articles about the archives and London's rich history in our blog.
In Focus
Discover more about our work and services, and find out exactly what we do.
Our Projects
Find out more about our ongoing and historic projects and partnerships...
What our visitors say
I have made many visits in the past 20 years to this valuable and wonderful archive centre. The staff are always so helpful, knowledgeable, and approachable. If you have London ancestry, be sure to pay a visit.
What an absolute thrill to be given the chance to see the Shakespeare deed - thank you!
Really interesting location with well presented current exhibition and an excellent series of talks and lectures.
I came to search for information on smallpox, Dr Ricketts and the hospitals in Darenth. The staff were excellent - very helpful and I found exactly what I was looking for.
Great exhibitions and reading rooms if you're into that.. staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Great times.
I visited today and found the staff extremely knowledgeable helpful and friendly
Very interesting had a tour and viewed some posters and books ... so much held here amazing
Really enjoyable exhibition. Good to see info on ordinary people living through the war in London.