About us
Our history, organisation and governance
The London Archives
The London Archives is a free public archive focussing on the history of London, from 1067 to the present day. We preserve and share millions of historical manuscripts, maps, photographs, books which tell the story of the city. You can find us in central London in Clerkenwell, close to Farringdon Station.
It's free to visit and use the archives and many of our exhibitions and events are free to attend. The London Archives is funded and managed by the City of London Corporation. We opened as The London Archives in August 2024 and were previously known as London Metropolitan Archives.
Our mission is to preserve and share London’s History for you to discover and enjoy.
Our vision for the future is to open London’s History to the World.
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About Us
Our history
Key dates in the history of The London Archives
Explore our past on a timeline showing key events in the history of The London Archives and its predecessors, from 1067 to today
About Us
Archives accreditation
The London Archives is an accredited archive
Find out about the archives accreditation scheme.
About Us
London's Archives
Continue your research in London's archives
Discover archive services across the Greater London area.
About Us
Policies and plans
Preserving and sharing London's archives
Read policy documents from The London Archives and the City of London Corporation Corporate Plan
Exhibition
London in the Second World War
Our current exhibition
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
Shakespeare in London
Free display
Rarely displayed treasures relating to William Shakespeare will be on show in the Information Area. From 30 June until 2 October 2025 | Free
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