London Metropolitan Archives

We're London Metropolitan Archives (LMA), one of the largest historical archives in the UK. Find us in leafy Clerkenwell, close to Farringdon and Angel tubes, where we look after a vast and unique collection of manuscripts, maps, photos, books and films that tell the story of London, right back to 1067. If you haven't visited an archive before, we're a bit like a library or museum, but with millions of unique historical documents waiting to be explored; you choose what we want to see and we put the history of London in your hands. Not everyone has time to research though, so our exhibitions and events program delves into the archives and presents the fascinating history of the capital for you to enjoy. We're open to everyone, whether you’re visiting an exhibition, joining a history talk or tracing your family history. Browse our program and start discovering London's history today.

Our free exhibition Unforgotten Lives explores the lives of Londoners of African, Caribbean, Asian and indigenous heritage who lived and worked in the city between 1560 and 1860. We're open Mon, Tues, Thurs 10-4.30pm and Weds 10-7pm, and one Saturday a month. For full details, visit our webpages at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma