The London Archives

In 1965, a pivotal moment in London’s history unfolded, giving birth to The London Archives. Originally known as the Greater London Record Office, this institution stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving narrative. The London Archives safeguards a staggering collection, over 72 miles of documents. These records chronicle London’s transformation from a medieval settlement to the global metropolis we know today. The London Archives, located on Northampton Road, welcomes over 30,000 visitors annually. It diligently responds to a similar number of written inquiries. The archive’s holdings are a treasure trove for historians and researchers. The earliest record dates back to 1067. This incredible collection maps the city’s growth and development over centuries. The London Archives owes its existence to the merging of several entities. These include the London County Record Office, the London County Council Members Library, and the Middlesex County Record Office. In 1997, another transformation occurred, and the Greater London Record Office became the London Metropolitan Archives. This marked the absorption of the Corporation of London Record Office in 2005. Then the Guildhall Library’s Manuscripts and Prints and Maps sections joined the collection in 2009. Finally, in 2024, the institution adopted its current name: The London Archives. This name change aims to better reflect its comprehensive collection and its role as a resource for all of London. Within The London Archives’ walls, you’ll find an astonishing array of historical documents. These include everything from Victorian photographs of bustling streets to the personal diary of Robert Hooke, who surveyed the city after the Great Fire of 1666. The London Archives is more than just a repository of dusty documents. It’s a vibrant hub where London’s stories come alive.