London Metropolitan Archives

I went with my wife and we knew what we were looking for and the staff made the whole thing very easy, from getting our history cards to finding the records we needed, to supplying the permit to photograph the records.
The feeling of actually touching the records of family events from nearly a century ago was really exciting, and we have our own photographed copies to take away, just amazing.

The archives are an excellent resource for finding out about the history of London so it's a pity that it feels so difficult to get to. It's poorly signposted and approaching from Bowling Green Lane, there was one sign that pointed in the wrong direction and no further signs. The entrance to the archive isn't obvious, either. To use the archive, you need to register and go there personally to get your pass (their History Card) before you can order resources, which effectively prevents new users from requesting research materials online. When I went to get my History Card, I had to wait 20 minutes to be seen in spite of there being 2 registrars available - one seemed to be doing nothing. Getting resources takes a minimum of 25 minutes from the order being placed. Free lockers. Clean toilets. Space to eat sandwiches. There's free access to worldwide Ancestry. There was an interesting exhibition about Londoners when i was there, on till 5th July 2017.

Signing up and borrowing was super fast. You have to order documents before 2pm though

Came here for the Magnificent Maps exhibition and it was great, highly recommend visiting.

There through work. Always professional and helpful.

Very rude receptionist, too lazy to work over Christmas and New Year, so just shut the building, pretending he has permission from senior authority, they need better service, not a good use of taxpayers' money

LMA is Covid-secure with lots of ventilation and space. The Information Area includes use of the reference library, computers, microfilm reader, browsing the paper catalogues and use of the facsimile maps. There are no copying facilities but you can pay for a one day camera pass to take your own photographs. Close by to the lovely Exmouth Market there are lots of great places to have lunch!

Friendly and helpful staff. Most interesting