London Metropolitan Archives
London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
London
City of London
EC1R 0HB
England
Website
Activities for children and all ages - including Schoolmate, Look at London, Theatrelands and behind the scenes at the Archvies
School resources
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/learningzone
On-line catalogue
search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Telephone
020 7332 3820
Fax
020 7833 9136
LMA holds archives about the administrative, social and family history of London. Over 72km of shelving store records of schools, churches, hospitals, businesses, local government and much more in the Greater London area stretching back over 900 years. Collections include documents, maps, plans, photographs and an extensive library collection relating to London History.
This library has a Designated Collection of national importance.
Venue Type:
Library, Archive
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
London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
London
City of London
EC1R 0HB
England
Website
Activities for children and all ages - including Schoolmate, Look at London, Theatrelands and behind the scenes at the Archvies
School resources
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/learningzone
On-line catalogue
search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Telephone
020 7332 3820
Fax
020 7833 9136
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
Collections services
- General guide to collections available
- Object identification and/or written enquiry service
- Public access available to collections information
- Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
London
City of London
EC1R 0HB
England
Website
Activities for children and all ages - including Schoolmate, Look at London, Theatrelands and behind the scenes at the Archvies
School resources
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/learningzone
On-line catalogue
search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Telephone
020 7332 3820
Fax
020 7833 9136
Simcha!, at London Metropolitan Archives
A day long event exploring theatre, music and the arts in London's Jewish communities. There will be a varied programme of speakers, presentations and workshops. Speakers include Louise Asher, Curator of Social History at London's Jewish Museum. Louise will be talking about the wonderful theatre material at the museum. We also welcome Mike Gerber, author of Jazz Jews. This event is part of European Days of Jewish Culture & Heritage.
When
10am-4:30pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
£20/£15 concessions (includes lunch) - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
The Port of London at War, London Metropolitan Archives
London knew it would be a target for enemy bombing and with the Port supplying 8 million mouths how would it cope? Plans were drawn up, but how successful were the precautions? Could anything stop London, its port and dockland from being obliterated? It all began on Black Saturday, 7 September 1940. Meet at Tower Hill. Walk ends at Shadwell.
When
2-4pm
Where
Meet at Tower Hill, London, EC3.
Admission
£5 (book the talk and all three walks for £15), booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851, web: www.lma.gov.uk
Discovering Jewish History at London Metropolitan Archives
Find out more about the collections held at LMA and how to get started on your own research. This event is part of European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage.
When
2-3:30pm
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Use LMA: The Information Area, at London Metropolitan Archives
Tour of the Information Area - How to get the best out of LMA's research facilities.
When
11am-12pm
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Epping Forest: Explore the Archives - An Introduction for New Users, at London Metropolitan Archives
Interested in the history and heritage of Epping Forest? Discover the archive collection now stored at LMA and find out how to access its pictures and records.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
2-3:30pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Reel London - Free Friday Flicks. Look at the Four Elements in the Film Collections of London Metropolitan Archives. Fire.
The Four Elements series looking at LMA's film collections begins with FIRE! Clips from the London Fire Brigade include television advertisements and public informational films and are followed by fire tests conducted by companies such as Chubb (safes and locks) to prove that their products were fire proof.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free drop in event.
The Old Nichol and Boundary Street Estate, London Metropolitan Archives
This fascinating guided walk opens up the history of this area which sits between Bethnal Green Road and Bishopsgate, close to Brick Lane. Old Nichol Street was once one of the most notorious slums in London. After years of campaigning, houses were demolished at the beginning of the twentieth century and replaced with London County Council's Boundary Estate which is now a Grade II listed site. This area is the subject of a recent book called The Blackest Streets by Sarah Wise. Meet outside St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch High Street (opposite junction with Old Street). Please note documents will be on display at LMA between 10.30 am and 12 noon.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
2-4pm
Where
Meet outside St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch High Street (opposite junction with Old Street).
Admission
£5 - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Lodgers and Lodging Houses in Victorian and Edwardian London, at London Metropolitan Archives
The streets of Victorian and Edwardian London were crowded with lodgings and lodging houses. From well-to-do bachelors residing in the smarter parts of town to less well-off spinsters and poor families making do in London's shabbier districts, a range of lodgings emerged to cater for the many classes of weekly and nightly lodger in the city. From the mid-nineteenth century the common lodging-house was subject to increasing statutory control as social reformers raised concerns for the moral and sanitary conditions of the houses. At the same time, 'model' common lodging houses were established and controlled by charitable organisations, and at the end of the century by the London County Counci
When
2-4:30pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
£7.50 / £5 concessions - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Tracing the Beatles' London, at London Metropolitan Archives
From 1963 until their demise in 1970, London was both workplace and playground for the Fab Four. In this short period the Mop Tops roamed from demolition sites on the Euston Road to the heights of Savile Row, and the capital evolved into the swinging city of legend. Using documents held at LMA we present an illustrated discussion of the metropolis the Beatles would have known.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
2-3pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
How London Might Have Looked!, at London Metropolitan Archives
An afternoon exploring innovative ideas around London's development. From Sir Christopher Wren's plans for boulevards in the post fire City of London to the alternative designs for Tower Bridge.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
2-4pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
£7.50 / £5 concessions, booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Imaginary London, at London Metropolitan Archives
Innovations Saturday starts with a family learning activity all around the weird and wonderful ideas that people have had about developing London. What would London look like if all the rivers could be seen? What if the River Thames wasn't there at all? Have you ever seen flats with the streets and roads on their roofs?
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- All ages
When
10am-12pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Use LMA: The Information Area, at London Metropolitan Archives
Use LMA - The Information Area. How to get the best out of research facilities.
When
11am-12pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance.
Reel London - Free Friday Flicks, Four Elements: WATER, at London Metropolitan Archives
The theme of WATER shows the many films and videos that feature the River Thames in the collections of LMA, as well as films from the Metropolitan Water Board which include a look at the sewage, water pipes and the journey of water from the reservoir to the tap in the home.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
1-4pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free drop in event.
Behind the Scenes Tour, at London Metropolitan Archives
Visit the Conservation Studio and the Image and Design Unit to find out more about the essential work which preserves our archived history for future generations. Tours last around one hour.
When
2-3pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Gothic Night II: Down Below .... at London Metropolitan Archives
Join Chris Fowler, author of the Bryant and May Mysteries including The Water Room and Off The Rails, for an evening of strangeness and mystery. Chris sets his work in London and has plunged the depths of the archives to delve deep into the city's sewers, drains and tunnels. Chris will read from his work and be available for a Q&A. The evening will also include an introduction to some fascinating material from the archives, entertaining interludes relating to the 'Down Below' theme and a behind the scenes tour. Chris lives and works in London, where he is best known for his dark urban fiction. Visit www.christopherfowler.co.uk
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
7-9:30pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
£8 / £6.50 concessions, booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.lma.gov.uk
Use LMA: The Information Area, at London Metropolitan Archives
The information area - how to get the best out of our research facilities.
When
11am-12pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Lost in London? Solving your London Family History Problems, at London Metropolitan Archives
Talk by David Annal. Tracing your ancestors back to the period before civil registration and the Victorian census returns can present a genuine challenge to most family historians. But if your family came from London, the problems that you're likely to face can be even harder to overcome. The population of London doubled between 1801 and 1841 making it the most populated city in the world. The administration of the area was enormously complicated - the City of London alone comprised over 100 parishes - and the records of the various authorities responsible for running London are now spread around a number of different record offices. This talk will explain how to access and make the most of
When
2-3pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Reel London - Free Friday Flicks. Four Elements in the Film Collections of LMA: SKY, at London Metropolitan Archives
The theme of SKY looks at aerial shots of London and its surroundings in LMA's collections which show London through the years. The buildings along the river and the skyline are seen through different decades.
When
1-4pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free drop in event.
London During World War I, London Metropolitan Archives
Britain was no longer an island and could be bombed from the air. Hear about the fascination then terror of the Zeppelin and Gotha bombing campaigns. Discover more about the internment of the German community, Belgian refugees, rationing, the women's war and how some wounded soldiers entertained themselves. Meet at Holborn. Walk ends at Embankment.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
2-4pm
Where
Meet at Holborn. Walk ends at Embankment.
Admission
£5 (book the talk and all three walks for £15), booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851
Epping Forest: My Ancester was..., at London Metropolitan Archives
Interested in family history? Discover who worked in Epping Forest and how our collection can help your genealogical research.
When
2-3pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
To The Rescue, at London Metropolitan Archives
Discover the history of the Royal Humane Society, Lloyd's Patriotic Fund, Lloyd's Medals and the Society for the Protection of Life From Fire. For over two hundred years these organizations have bestowed bravery awards to men and women including a Tsar, Grace Darling and Bram Stoker. The records of these organizations held by LMA tell the stories of the bravery of ordinary people in times of war and peace. This talk will also provide the opportunity to view documents from the collections.
When
2-3pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Young Hearts - Run Free! at London Metropolitan Archives
The eighth annual LGBT history and archives conference focuses on aspects of youth culture past and present. The conference will include representatives working on a range of new projects focused on intergenerational activities, historical research and community activities. The conference will be of interest to historians, project workers, youth leaders, heritage workers and anyone who wants to share their stories.
When
10am-4:30pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
£10 / £7.50 concessions - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851 Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
Use LMA: The Information Area, at London Metropolitan Archives
The Information Area - how to get the best out of our research facilities.
When
11am-12pm
Where
London Metropolitan Archives
Admission
Free - booking required in advance. Tel: 020 7332 3851. Email: ask.lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.lma.gov.uk
The City of London in the Blitz, London Metropolitan Archives
The 29 December 1940 has been described as the second great fire of London. A third of the City was razed to the ground. This walk makes its way through the streets that witnessed this event, revisits key sites and includes the stories of some of those involved. The walk also includes an overview of the London Blitz which raged from September 1940 to May 1941. Meet at St Paul's.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
11am-1pm
Where
Meet at St Paul's.
Admission
£5 (book the talk and all three walks for £15), booking required in advance on 020 7332 3851. Web: www.lma.gov.uk
London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
London
City of London
EC1R 0HB
England
Website
Activities for children and all ages - including Schoolmate, Look at London, Theatrelands and behind the scenes at the Archvies
School resources
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/learningzone
On-line catalogue
search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Telephone
020 7332 3820
Fax
020 7833 9136
London Metropolitan Archives
40 Northampton Road
London
City of London
EC1R 0HB
England
Website
Activities for children and all ages - including Schoolmate, Look at London, Theatrelands and behind the scenes at the Archvies
School resources
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/learningzone
On-line catalogue
search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Telephone
020 7332 3820
Fax
020 7833 9136
- About
- | Collections
- | Events
- | Resources
- | Map
