The London Archives
Explore London's Story
Plan Your Visit
Explore London's Story
Search the catalogue
Explore London's Story
Help With Your Research
Explore London's Story
Visit our free Spotlight on Music Hall display - runs until 5 February 2026
Explore London's Story
London in the Second World War - free exhibition1000 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. Visit us to explore millions of historical manuscripts, maps, photographs, books and films or enjoy our exhibitions, events and workshops. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome.
Explore your story. Uncover London's history. Discover The London Archives.
Registration
Search the catalogue, register for a History Card to access original documents and find out more about the services we offer.
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
Hostel, House and Chambers - Accommodating the Victorian Woman in London
Literary event
Join us for the launch of Hostel, House and Chambers, the first in-depth study of how early twentieth century architecture transformed the lives of working women. Emily Gee uncovers the design, ambition and impact of London’s women’s hostels, enterprising spaces that offered independence, respectability and community.
What's On
Reframed - Imagined Futures
Artist-led Workshop
Feeling creative? Then sign up for this inspiring illustration and collage workshop led by artist and educator Elyssa Rider which responds to the 'Londoners on Trial' exhibition.
What's On
Wreckage and Repair - Destroy and Rebuild Your Favourite London Landmark!
Workshop
Do you LOVE London? Or does it drive you mad? Come along to The London Archives with your other half, or on your own, and find out! Take it out on those overfamiliar landmarks and then give them a new life –literally– through the power of collage illustration!
What's On
Film Screening: The Lodger
Silent Film with live piano
Our early cinema series returns this spring with a London themed filmed with live accompaniment by silent film pianist Ashley Valentine.
What's On
Archives on Show: Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces
Document Viewing
Archives on Show gives you the opportunity to get up close to original documents, prints, maps images and more. This month we focus on the rich heritage of parks gardens and open spaces in London
What's On
Archives on Show: Views of Islington
Document Viewing
Archives on Show gives you the opportunity to get up close to original documents, prints, maps images and more. This month we focus on images of our local area - IslingtonExhibitions and displays
The London Archives has a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year both in Clerkenwell and the Heritage Gallery at the Guildhall Art Gallery. Look out for our outdoor exhibitions too.
Exhibition
London in the Second World War
Our current exhibition - ending soon!
Explore the experiences of Londoners during the Second World War in this free exhibition. What effect did it have on the city they knew? What was it like to live through the Blitz, to see your neighbourhood change overnight, or to be a volunteer with one of the city’s emergency services?
What's On
Spotlight on Music Hall
Free display - ending soon!
A small but striking display featuring some of our treasures from around the 1890s-1920s relating to Music Hall on show in the Information Area. From 6 October 2025 until 5 February 2026 | Free
Exhibition
Epping Forest
Exhibition at City Heritage Gallery
A free exhibition on Epping Forest using documents from The London Archives on show at Guildhall from 27 September 2025 to 30 April 2026.The London Archives Blog
Explore stories and articles about the archives and London's history in our blog.
Long read
The Probate Inventories of the Court of Orphans
Uncover the lives of early modern Londoners
Probate inventories of the Court of Orphans can uncover fascinating detail about lives of Londoners in early modern London, their business ventures, and the ways that women were involved in London’s urban economy
Long read
Women and Art in London
Find out more
Learn about women producing and publishing art in London during the 1600s - 1800s.
Long read
Magna Carta in the City of London
Find out more
Find out more about the Magna Carta held in the collection at The London Archives.
Long read
The History of London Department stores
Find out more
Here we delve into the rich history of London's department stores and reflect on how the retail landscape has changed over the centuries.
Long read
C.H.Matthews
Biography of a Victorian artist
Find out more about little known Victorian artist C.H. Matthews, who created many images of the Hackney and Islington areas.
Article
J Lyons and Company
Find out more
Find out about the J Lyons and Company Ltd holdings including the Lyons Corner House records at TLA.In Focus
Discover our work and services, and find out more about us.
Our Projects
Read about our 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.