We are home to an extraordinary range of documents, images, maps, films and books about London.
London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) is free to use and open to everyone.
Whether you’re tracing your family history or researching the history of your neighbourhood, if you’re interested in London or Londoners, LMA is the place to visit.
Victorian London in Photographs: 5 May to 29 October
Our latest exhibition presents some of the most striking images of London and Londoners from the Victorian period. Visit our Victorian London in Photographs exhibition page to find out more.
Family history
If you’re looking for ancestors from the London area, you’ve come to the right place. Explore our family history to find out all the options available to you.
Search the archives
Use our catalogue to search the collections, and plan which documents you want to see when you come to LMA.
Don’t forget to register for a History Card that allows you to view original documents when you visit.
Explore the collections
London's history from 1067 to the present day is recorded in a wealth of archives and specialist library books at LMA.
Find out more about the different sources of information we hold on our collections page.