Research at Guildhall Library

The London Archives makes three collections available at The Guildhall Library.

• The Stock Exchange archives and printed collections
• Lloyd's of London archives and printed collections except the Lloyd's Captain's Registers, which remain at The London Archives
• The City of London Livery Company archives and some associated collections

Accessing the Collections

Researchers can consult these collections during Guildhall Library  opening hours.

• Records can only be viewed at the Rare Books Table in Guildhall Library. A maximum of six readers can be accommodated at this table at one time. All places need to be booked in advance
• These records cannot be ordered online via The London Archives catalogue. Please email the library a list of items you want to see and which date you want to come in to book a place
• To view the records, researchers will need to show a History Card, a City of London Library Card or a form of photo-ID (passport, driving licence)
• Some of the records in these collections have been copied onto microfilm. Researchers can access these films on open access shelves in the reading room
• Readers can order up to ten items per day
• Photo permits are available for £7 for up to 30 items and £20 for over 30

To help preserve these records, researchers must:

• Show a History Card, City Library Card or other acceptable proof of identity before ordering records
• Put all coats, bags in the lockers provided.
• Only use pencils to take notes
• Only take laptops or tablets, leaving all laptop bags and cases in the lockers

No copies of any kind may be made of certain Clockmaker's Company records without prior written permission from the depositor.

Advice

If you want to enquire about these collections, please contact The London Archives.

All, other former Guildhall Library Manuscripts collections are accessible at The London Archives. Advance notice is required for access to some collections, particularly business records. Please consult our catalogue for more information or contact The London Archives to make an enquiry.