Browse > Local history

These online databases are related to this subject - please note you will need to join the library to use these resources for free:

If you are a member of the public, your local library should be your first port of call as it holds a wide range of resources for the general reader. Check the public library catalogue here.

The library collections listed below have more indepth collections related to this subject:

Type Library name Collections
Public Hillingdon Local Heritage Service Local Studies Collection
Public Guildhall Library City of London Family and Local History Resources
Public Uxbridge Library Hillingdon Family and Local History Resources
Public Sutton Central Library Sutton Family and Local History Resources
Public Stratford Library Local Studies Collection
Public Redbridge Central Library Local Studies Collection
Public Morden Library Local Studies Collection
Public Minet Library Lambeth Family and Local History Resources
Public John Harvard Library Southwark Family and Local History Resources
Public Hounslow Library Hounslow Family and Local History Resources
Public Holborn Library Camden Family and Local History Resources
Public Finsbury Library Islington Family and Local History Resources
Public Croydon Central Library Croydon Family and Local History Resources
Public Kensington Central Library Local Studies Collection
Public Bexley Central Library Family and Local History Resources
Public Battersea Library Wandsworth Family and Local History Resources
Public Barbican Library General collection
Public Lewisham Local studies and archives centre Lewisham Family and Local History Resources
Public Lewisham Central Library Local Studies Collection
Public Enfield Local History Enfield Family and Local History Resources
Public Harrow Libraries, Civic Centre Library Local Studies Collection
Public Havering Libraries, Central Library Havering Family and Local History Resources
Public Merton Local Studies Centre Merton Family and Local History Resources
Public Richmond upon Thames Libraries, Local Studies Library Local Studies Collection
Public Tower Hamlets Local History and Archives Library Tower Hamlets Family and Local History Resources
Public Bromley Central Library Bromley Family and Local History Resources
Public Cricklewood Library Local Studies Collection
Public Ealing Central Library Ealing Family and Local History Resources
Specialist Bishopsgate Library Bishopsgate Library general collection
Specialist Society of Genealogists Society of Genealogists Library Collection

 

How can I use these libraries?

Public library collections Public libraries are free and open to everyone but please telephone to book a computer or if you wish to consult particular archival materials
Specialist collections Some of these collections are part of the Inspire London scheme (please ask at your local library). Otherwise please contact the library in advance of a visit to avoid disappointment.
Academic/university and collections To have access to these collections, please ask at your local library about the Inspire London scheme.

If you are a registered student, researcher or academic, please refer to SCONUL access.