THE LONDON METROPOLITAN ARCHIVES

Where is the archives, how can it help your research and what does it hold?

The London Metropolitan Archives ( LMA) is the regional archive for the Greater London area, specialising in the history of London and Londoners. It cares for and provides access to the historical archives of businesses, schools, hospitals, charities and all manner of other organisations.

The millions of books, maps, photographs, films and documents dating back to 1067 in its strong rooms form one of the finest city archives in the world – you could call it the memory of London.

Located in Clerkenwell in central London, LMA is an essential destination for anyone researching ancestors from the London area. Its holdings include some of the most important family history sources for the capital including parish records, bishops’ transcripts, non- conformist registers, electoral registers, school records and poor law records.

Researchers at LMA have a wide range of interests, including family, community and local history, but you don’t have to have a specific reason to visit! If you’re fascinated by London you’re always welcome to drop in and browse the collections, visit an exhibition or attend a free workshop or talk.

Full details of LMA’s collections and services can be found on its website at

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma, along with a suite of information leaflets that provide an excellent starting point for anyone researching their ‘cockney ancestors’.