Local History Library
Temporary relocation
The Local History Library is currently temporarily located on the first floor of the Peckham Library. See the visitor information page for more details. In Spring 2010 the library will be returning to its former home at the rear of the John Harvard Library at 211 Borough High Street. More updates to follow.
 History of Southwark
Southwark's range of historical experience is a story vividly told through surviving historical documents. We have gathered these documents and other historical sources at Southwark Local History Library. Library resources can help you find out the history of the area, your family or house or provide help with school or college projects. The library also holds information on changes in Southwark today.
We're happy to help anybody with an interest in the Southwark area. You don't need to be a member of a library. The collections have extensive finding aids and our staff will always give advice on getting the most out of the library.
You don't need to make an appointment to visit, except for group or class visits. However, we advise you to book a microfilm reader if you will need to use one.
Local History Library resources
Books and other printed published material
- Copies of most printed books on the history of the area
- Pamphlets and periodicals produced by local organisations
- An extensive run of directories
- On microfilm, local newspapers from 1856 to the present
- Press cuttings and ephemera
View the full list and prices for the Local History Library publications.
 Illustrations
There are some 20,000 photographs and prints, a collection of slides and also of watercolours. They provide a vivid visual record of Southwark over the last 200 years. Old photographs can be found on the Southwark collections online.
Ports Cities, London and Ideal Homes, Southwark provide an online collection of old photographs for a visual journey back in time.
Maps
The collection contains over 600 maps, ranging from copies of 16th century London maps to the most up to date large scale ordnance survey plans.
Videos, tapes and CD roms
Films, videos and tapes reflect life in the borough from the 1920s to the present.
Family history
On CD rom is the Mormon Church's international genealogical index, a nationwide index to parish registers. Research you family history using the Local History Library's resources and other research services.
Archives
The core of the collection is the local government records of the area, the civil parishes and the metropolitan boroughs. Some of the records of the former civil parishes go back to the 16th century.
They include vestry minutes, taxation records and poor law records. We also hold copies of London County Council and London school board minutes. Some local organisations have also deposited their records including businesses, some non-conformist churches and early schools. We also hold, on microfilm, copies of records held elsewhere, most notably census returns and parish registers.
Contact us
Until the end of 2009, the Local History Library will be temporarily located on the first floor of the Peckham Library
Peckham Library
Tel: 020 7525 0232
local.history.library@southwark.gov.uk
122 Peckham Hill Street
Peckham
London SE15 5JR
View the pdf for more information (pdf 135kb).
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