The City at War
Outdoor exhibition
Exhibition: London in the Second World War
Why not visit The London Archives in Clerkenwell to see our free exhibition 'London in the Second World War'?
In it, we explore the experiences of Londoners during the Second World War and the effect it had on the city they knew. Using the London County Council bomb damage maps, personal diaries, rarely seen original artworks and atmospheric photographs we tell the story of the people that lived and worked in a city at war.
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?
Our Services
About us
Our history, organisation and governance
Never been to an archive before? Find out everything you need to know about The London Archives, where you can find us and what you can do here!
What's On
Art of the London Blitz, 85 years on
Walking Tour
Join City Guide Jonathan Wober for a walking tour in the City of London, focused on the Blitz and artists who responded to it.
Exhibition
Writing the War
Reading literature of the Second World War
Highlighting some research in connection with our London in the Second World War Exhibition - here we reflect on The London Archives' book group wartime reads.
Learning
Explore more
Find out more about the City in wartime
Exhibition
Recording the war: air raid report books
Exhibition highlights
Highlighting some of the features of our London in the Second World War Exhibition - here we investigate the air raid report books.
Article
The war diary of John Teague
Find out more
Della Judd writes about her grandfather's experience in the RAF in London during the Second World War.
Exhibition
Armoured Cars
Exhibition highlights
Highlighting some research in connection with our London in the Second World War Exhibition - here we explore photographs of armoured cars that were produced for the Home Guard.More on London and Londoners in the Second World War
Discover related upcoming events and read our dedicated blog posts on this subject.
More about the London Archives
The London Archives doesn't just have records of war - we cover London's history since 1067 (our oldest document - signed by William the Conqueror himself!). Find out more, or come and visit - we're free to use and open to all...
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
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.
Research
Your research
How to begin your journey into the past
At The London Archives you can delve into a multitude of historical documents, maps, images, films and audio content. Our collections covering anything from your family history to detailed academic research - find out about the different themes and topics which are here for you to explore.
Learning
Learning
Students and Early Career Researchers
What we can offer you
The London Archives is a free space to study, even if you're not using the archives - find out about what we offer for students and early career researchers
Our Work
Collections Care
Archive conservation at The London Archives
Discover the work of our Collections Care team and the services they offer.
Book Group
Book Group
Enjoy London literature with an archives twist
Get your monthly book fix with The London Archives' book group
Our Services