Archives on Show: Medieval London

Immerse yourself in the records of medieval London in this self-guided session. 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. This summer, our Spotlight exhibition will look at treasures of the medieval City.

In this session we will explore our medieval holdings more widely – covering records of the City of London’s administration, London’s parishes, St Paul’s Cathedral and London Bridge. On display will be material relating to the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, and the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. We’ll explore records that tell us about the lives of medieval Londoners, such as their wills, property transactions, and their relationships with their neighbours.

Booking Essential:

• The event takes place on Friday 7 August only, and you can book to join us between 1 - 2pm or 2 - 3pm.
• You can arrive at any time within your booked session as there is no formal talk, though please note that the event ends at 3pm. We suggest to arrive by 2.30pm if you have booked for the later session.

In addition to browsing the archival documents, you'll also be able to view our display "Spotlight on Medieval London" which runs from 6 July until 17 December 2026.