Family History
Family History Resources
The London Archives are an essential destination for anyone researching people who lived and worked in the London area.
There are a multitude of ways to research your family history at The London Archives. Whether you are a beginner or looking for help with a particular subject, we can point you in the right direction. Many resources to get you started are available on the Ancestry website, which is free to access in the Information Area. Here, we highlight some of our key collections, and how you can access them.
Court of Orphans
Research Guide
Discover records of the Court of Orphans which functioned to protect the underage orphans of freemen in the City of London
Electoral registers
Research Guide
Look for individuals in London and Middlesex who were able to vote in elections
Freedom of the City of London
Research Guide
Trace individuals who were granted the Freedom of the City of London
Livery company members and apprentices
Research Guide
Use this research guide if you want to trace individuals who were either full members or apprenticed to members of City of London livery companies.
Lloyd's of London Captains' Registers
Research Guide
Find a mariner who was active between 1869 and 1947 in the Lloyd's Captains' Registers
Marriage licences, bonds and allegations
Research Guide
Search for marriage licences issued in the City of London and the counties of Middlesex and Surrey
Nonconformist records
Research Guide
Find nonconformists in London including Methodists, Congregationalists, Baptists and Presbyterians
Parish registers
Research Guide
Search for Church of England baptisms, marriages and burials in London
Poor Law records from 1834 onwards
Research Guide
Discover how to search post 1834 poor law records including workhouse admissions
Wills in London, Middlesex and Surrey before 1858
Research Guide
Search for a will or administration proved or granted in London, Middlesex and Surrey before 1858.Start your family history journey
We are friendly, free and here to help. You might be new to family history, or a seasoned expert, but we've got lots of the information and resources you might need in your family history journey. Whatever you want to begin your journey into your London past, we can help. If you're new or returning to Family History research, why not sign up to one of our Family History Starter sessions - these in person events introduce you to The London Archives, and can help get you started with one of our friendly team on hand to help.
If you want to dive straight in, why not check our Family History in London Research Guide, a start-up guide which highlights some of the key collections for London genealogy.
Family History doesn't stop at birth, marriage and deaths - we have collections which can help open up the texture of the lives your ancestors lived - from maps and pictures of the areas they knew, to detailed records which might include hospitals, businesses, schools and all sorts of records with insights into peoples daily lives.
Why not pay us a visit? Come in, be curious, explore your London story
