London Metropolitan Archives

London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
London
Greater London
EC1R 0HB
England

logo: Designated as an Outstanding Collection

Website

Activities for children and all ages - including Schoolmate, Look at London, Theatrelands and behind the scenes at the Archvies

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

School resources

http://www.learningzone.cityoflondon.gov.uk/

On-line catalogue

search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm

E-mail

ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Telephone

020 7332 3820

Fax

020 7833 9136

All information is drawn or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
Image showing "A Thoroughbred November and London particular", 1827
baby changing facilities icon Food icon Guided tours icon Shop icon Library icon Study area icon Hearing disability facilities icon Visual disability facilities icon Wheelchair access icon

LMA holds archives about the administrative, social and family history of London. Over 105km of shelving store records of schools, churches, hospitals, businesses, local government and much more.

Venue Type:

Library, Archive

Opening hours

Mon, 09.30 - 16.45
Tues, Weds & Thurs, 09.30 - 19.30
Friday, Closed
Saturday 9.30-16.45 on the following days in 2012 - January 14, February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, September 8, October 13, December 8.
2013 - January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 24, October 12, December 14.

Closed: All bank holidays.
From 3pm, 24 Dec 2012 - until 9.30am 2 Jan 2013 (Christmas closure)
From 7.30pm, 31 Oct 2013 - until 9.30am 18 Nov 2013 (Stocktake closure)

Admission charges

Free to visit and use. Free enquiry service about what records are held. Charges made for copying of archive material, and for the Family History Research Service.

Additional info

Travel information:
Tube: Circle / Metropolitan / Hammersmith & City Line to Farringdon, Northern Line to Angel
Rail: King's Cross / St Pancras (20 minute walk), Farringdon via Thameslink (10 minute walk)
Bus: 19, 38, 341 to Rosebery Avenue 63, 259 to Farringdon Road (Guardian Newspaper Buildings) or 55, 505, 243 to Clerkenwell Green

The History of London collection is a Designated Collection of national importance.

The collection is held at the Guildhall Library and the London Metropolitan Archives, and traces the history of the City of London and Greater London. The History of London collection is a unique, extensive and incredibly rich collection of material on the history of Britain’s capital city. The collections reveal the impact of London on social, cultural, economic and political developments in the rest of the country. The collection also reflects the central role of London in the globalisation of the economy and culture since the 18th century.

LMA holds the official records from the former counties of London and Middlesex. These include the Middlesex Sessions of the Peace, dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries, and County Councils of London and Middlesex from 1889 to 1965. These organisations affected every part of public life, from health to housing to highways.

LMA has official records covering the much larger area of Greater London from 1965 to 1986. Information on the Greater London area can also be found with the London Borough local archive services.

There is also an extraordinary range of other archives held at LMA. We have records of: Associations (from 1555), Businesses (from 1560), Charities (from 1377), Court records (from 1549), Diocesan records (from 1467), Families and individuals (from 1160), Health authorities and hospitals (from 1220), Jewish organisations (from 1591),
Local authorities (from 1538), National records (from 1653).

Also included are 'London Generations' (from 1538) - this is the section of LMA devoted to bringing family history sources together for you to use. London Generations includes the records of over 800 Anglican parishes, many non-conformist churches and chapels, poor law records, school registers and electoral registers. You can search London Generations as a database on LMA's website.

For visual sources, we have extensive holdings of printed maps of London from the sixteenth century, thematic maps including bomb damage, plans and drawings in the Building Act case file series and other collections, and over 250,000 prints, watercolours, etchings and photographs showing the changing face of London over the last 300 years.

The above is only a brief sample of LMA's vast collections: for detailed information contact our enquiry team or speak to a member of staff in the public rooms.

Collection details

Trade and Commerce, Social History, Science and Technology, Religion, Photography, Personalities, Performing Arts, Music, Medicine, Literature, Law and Order, Land Transport, Inland Waterways, Industry, Archives, Architecture

Key artists and exhibits

  • Designated Collection
Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.
Archive Study area at London Metropolitan Archives

Handling documents at London Metropolitan Archives

5 June 2013

This practical session aims to help you to handle archival items in the most appropriate way. As well as demonstrating how to handle various archival formats, a Conservator will also explain the dos and don’ts that apply in the Archive Study Area.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

1-2pm

Admission

Free drop in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851.

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Rainbow

LGBT History Club

5 June 2013

A regular monthly meeting to explore and share Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans histories. Please visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lgbthistory

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • Any age

When

6-7:30pm

Admission

Free - drop-in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

W.H. and L. Collingridge's printing works, c.1900.

London's Industrial Heritage, Guided Walk

5 June 2013

As London grew, more of its crafts and trades found homes outside the City walls. In Clerkenwell, clock and watch making, printing and other trades escaped City jurisdiction and benefitted from the skills of the locals and from immigrants and refugees, too. Our walk will seek out this history. Meeting at LMA. Led by John Finn of City Highlights. Booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059.

Suitable for

  • Any age
  • 18+

When

11am-1pm

Admission

£8.00

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Information area at London Metropolitan Archives

Use London Metropolitan Archives: Getting Started

5 June 2013

Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of the research facilities.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

11am-12pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Conservation

Behind the Scenes Tour

6 June 2013

Tour the archives and meet with LMA professionals to find out about the essential work which preserves our archived work for generations.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Mediatheque at London Metropolitan Archives

Mediatheque: An Introduction, at London Metropolitan Archives

6 June 2013

Find out how our Mediatheque can support your research into local, family and London history. Watch archived film on demand, use our interactive map viewer ‘Magnifying the Metropolis’ and search catalogue listings for all our graphics content. Engage with new sources and bring your history to life.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

3-4pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Family History

Focus on Family History at London Metropolitan Archives

12 June 2013

Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including our records on Ancestry.co.uk.

This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Online booking: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

190-194 Stoke Newington High Street, London, 1972.

Stoke Newington guided walk

12 June 2013

Stoke Newington, or ‘new town in the woods’, has a rich history dating back hundreds of years. It was a site of axe production in the Neolithic period, and features in the Domesday Book. This guided walk will explore the district’s early history, its development as a Victorian suburb and its 20th Century status as a hotbed of radicalism. Led by City Highlights.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

11am-1pm

Where

Meet at Stoke Newington Railway Station
London
N16 6YA

Admission

£8 - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Inner London Education Authority film crew

LMA Film Club

19 June 2013

There will be screenings of archive films from LMA and other organisations, occasional guest speakers and plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

6-7:30pm

Admission

Free drop in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Lloyd's of London, Leadenhall Street, London: loss book, underwriting room, 1961.

London Metropolitan Archives Book Group

19 June 2013

This new monthly reading group will explore a range of London writing, with a remit covering fiction and non-fiction. We will dust off old classics, explore new writing, and use material from the archives to stimulate lively discussion.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

6-7pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

View of the entrance to the Thames Tunnel, 1854.

Underground London

21 June 2013

From the comfort of your chair come on a journey through London’s underground labyrinth of tunnels, sewers, rivers, vaults and shelters. With talks and original documents find out why and how they were built and hear stories of those who lived, worked and sometimes died in them. In the afternoon there will be “a walk and ride” tour along the Metropolitan Line. N.B. Travelcard not included in booking fee.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-4pm

Admission

£10 (bring a picnic) booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Family History

Focus on Family History at London Metropolitan Archives

26 June 2013

Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including our records on Ancestry.co.uk.

This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Online booking: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Archive Study area at London Metropolitan Archives

Handling documents at London Metropolitan Archives

3 July 2013

This practical session aims to help you to handle archival items in the most appropriate way. As well as demonstrating how to handle various archival formats, a Conservator will also explain the dos and don’ts that apply in the Archive Study Area.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

1-2pm

Admission

Free drop in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851.

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Rainbow

LGBT History Club

3 July 2013

A regular monthly meeting to explore and share Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans histories. Please visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lgbthistory

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • Any age

When

6-7:30pm

Admission

Free - drop-in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Information area at London Metropolitan Archives

Use London Metropolitan Archives: Getting Started

3 July 2013

Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of the research facilities.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

11am-12pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Conservation

Behind the Scenes Tour

4 July 2013

Tour the archives and meet with LMA professionals to find out about the essential work which preserves our archived work for generations.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Mediatheque at London Metropolitan Archives

Mediatheque: An Introduction, at London Metropolitan Archives

4 July 2013

Find out how our Mediatheque can support your research into local, family and London history. Watch archived film on demand, use our interactive map viewer ‘Magnifying the Metropolis’ and search catalogue listings for all our graphics content. Engage with new sources and bring your history to life.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

3-4pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Family History

Focus on Family History at London Metropolitan Archives

10 July 2013

Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including our records on Ancestry.co.uk.

This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Online booking: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Lloyd's of London, Leadenhall Street, London: loss book, underwriting room, 1961.

London Metropolitan Archives Book Group

10 July 2013

This new monthly reading group will explore a range of London writing, with a remit covering fiction and non-fiction. We will dust off old classics, explore new writing, and use material from the archives to stimulate lively discussion.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

6-7pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

A Dutton's Traveller Tandem Tricycle, 1880.

Cycling in London

12 July 2013

We ride bikes to get to work, ride bikes at work, ride bikes to relax, ride bikes for glory, ride bikes on the road, ride bikes off road, ride bikes on the track: we ride bikes of all shapes and sizes: and as it is today it was in the past. Come and hear stories of London’s cycling past…

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

10am-4pm

Admission

£10 (bring a picnic) booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Family History

Focus on Family History at London Metropolitan Archives

24 July 2013

Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including our records on Ancestry.co.uk.

This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Online booking: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Inner London Education Authority film crew

LMA Film Club

24 July 2013

There will be screenings of archive films from LMA and other organisations, occasional guest speakers and plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

6-7:30pm

Admission

Free drop in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Conservation

Behind the Scenes Tour

1 August 2013

Tour the archives and meet with LMA professionals to find out about the essential work which preserves our archived work for generations.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Mediatheque at London Metropolitan Archives

Mediatheque: An Introduction, at London Metropolitan Archives

1 August 2013

Find out how our Mediatheque can support your research into local, family and London history. Watch archived film on demand, use our interactive map viewer ‘Magnifying the Metropolis’ and search catalogue listings for all our graphics content. Engage with new sources and bring your history to life.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

3-4pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Archive Study area at London Metropolitan Archives

Handling documents at London Metropolitan Archives

7 August 2013

This practical session aims to help you to handle archival items in the most appropriate way. As well as demonstrating how to handle various archival formats, a Conservator will also explain the dos and don’ts that apply in the Archive Study Area.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

1-2pm

Admission

Free drop in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851.

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Rainbow

LGBT History Club

7 August 2013

A regular monthly meeting to explore and share Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans histories. Please visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lgbthistory

Suitable for

  • 18+
  • Any age

When

6-7:30pm

Admission

Free - drop-in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Information area at London Metropolitan Archives

Use London Metropolitan Archives: Getting Started

7 August 2013

Come along and tour the Information Area to find out how to get the best out of the research facilities.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

11am-12pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Family History

Focus on Family History at London Metropolitan Archives

14 August 2013

Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including our records on Ancestry.co.uk.

This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Online booking: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Lloyd's of London, Leadenhall Street, London: loss book, underwriting room, 1961.

London Metropolitan Archives Book Group

14 August 2013

This new monthly reading group will explore a range of London writing, with a remit covering fiction and non-fiction. We will dust off old classics, explore new writing, and use material from the archives to stimulate lively discussion.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

6-7pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Book online: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Inner London Education Authority film crew

LMA Film Club

21 August 2013

There will be screenings of archive films from LMA and other organisations, occasional guest speakers and plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

6-7:30pm

Admission

Free drop in event. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Family History

Focus on Family History at London Metropolitan Archives

28 August 2013

Come along to this workshop and learn how to get the most out of digitised family history sources, including our records on Ancestry.co.uk.

This workshop is aimed at beginners.

Suitable for

  • Any age

When

2-3pm

Admission

Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Online booking: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2913691059

Website

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.
Digital and online resources

SchoolMate

http://www.learningzone.cityoflondon.gov.uk/schoolmate/sm_home_flash.asp

SchooLMAte is for children and teachers. Here they can work together as they explore the world of London's communities. You will be able to learn about people's lives, where they lived and how some of them came to London hundreds of years ago.

Theatrelands

http://www.learningzone.cityoflondon.gov.uk/theatreland/default.asp

The Theatreland website provides an overview of a century of theatre and tells the story of some of the playhouses with the most illustrious histories. Find out about the theatres that began as circuses and varied their dramatic fare with trapeze acts; the playhouse that survived two centuries and four fires to become a major draw for audiences today, and the group of theatres destroyed to make way for a major London thoroughfare. In the Image Gallery, you can look at prints and newspaper cuttings as well as the Theatreland plans and blueprints themselves, discovering the changes in theatre buildings and performances over the last few centuries.

Face to face resources

Britain and the Wider World

A citizenship based session which explores our relationships with other countries and cultures and the history of those connections. It will also link to issues around business, economy and decision making.

How to obtain

Available on request. Contact LMA for more details.

Expressions of Identity – creative writing events

Exploring personal and community identity through the stories of people from the past and the present.

How to obtain

Available on request. Contact LMA for more details.

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