Our history

The History of The London Archives

1067

The first document in our collections is created, a charter from William I to the bishop, portreeve and burgesses in London, guaranteeing the citizens' rights.

1828

Guildhall Library is refounded as a library for Members, and later literary men, collecting manuscripts and small collections of London interest, the basis from which Guildhall Library Manuscripts Section and Guildhall Library Prints and Maps Section emerged in the twentieth century.

1873

Creation of a new library on the Guildhall site which opens to the public free of charge.

1880s

Development of the Middlesex County Record Office, after a special committee is appointed by the justices of the peace to consider and report on the accommodation provided for the storage of the "old records" of the county.

1889

Formation of the London County Council and the creation of the London County Record Office in County Hall and the Record Keeper role in the Clerks' Department.

1945

The Guildhall Library Manuscripts and Guildhall Library Prints and Maps services takes the responsibilities of the local record office for the City of London (the “Square Mile”).

1953

The London County Council creates the position of Head Archivist and Librarian.

1954

Guildhall Library Manuscripts Section is declared a Diocesan Record Office.

1965

The Greater London Record Office is formed by the new Greater London Council (GLC). This new record office merges the LCC's London County Record Office and the MCC's Middlesex County Record Office.

1974

Guildhall Library moves into new premises in the west wing of Guildhall.

1986

The GLC is abolished and the City of London Corporation assumes responsibility for the GLRO service.

1997

The Greater London Record Office becomes London Metropolitan Archives (LMA).

2003

The Corporation of London Records Office (CLRO) becomes part of LMA. CLRO was the archive responsible for holding the departmental and organisational records of the City of London Corporation.

2007

Guildhall Library Manuscripts and Guildhall Library Prints and Maps services joins LMA.

2024

London Metropolitan Archives becomes The London Archives.