3 April 2008
New-look London Archives re-opens its doors
The London Metropolitan Archives is today (7 April) welcoming
local residents, historians and researchers through its doors,
following a £2million refurbishment programme to extend and
modernise its facilities.
Forty-eight computer workstations have been installed for
readers in a newly-expanded information area, with information
boards to keep visitors up-to-date about the LMA’s latest news and
collections. The Archives’ library stock has also been reviewed and
modernised.
The Archives, which is the UK's largest local authority record
office and is owned by the City of London Corporation, hold
hundreds of thousands of books, documents and records which chart
London’s history, dating from the 11th century to the present
day.
Among the items stored in its high-security vaults and on an
estimated 72km of shelving include a 1297 copy of Magna Carta,
Charter of William I (c.1067), illuminated medieval manuscripts,
letters from Florence Nightingale, Foundling Hospital records of
abandoned children and Books of Condolence from 7 July London
bombings.
The LMA also holds records for many business, religious, public
and local authority organisations based in London, most of which
are readily accessible to visitors, who can use the Archives to
trace their family histories or research the capital’s history. It
also houses one of the most extensive collections of prints, maps
and photographs about London.
Geoff Pick, Learning and Access Manager at LMA, says: “We’re
delighted with the new facilities, which will enable readers to
make use of our exceptional collections as they wish, whether they
prefer to work in a quiet area, on their own, in a group or through
the direct handling of historical items.
“Our new look has helped us move away from an ‘office’ feel to a
lighter, more modern environment, and I’m sure that new and regular
visitors will appreciate it. Everyone works differently, and we’ve
tried to reflect that in the layout and design of our public
rooms.”
The LMA, which is based in Clerkenwell, is open on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday 9.30am to 4.45pm; Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am
- 7.30pm; and on selected Saturdays throughout the year.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Buckingham, Press Officer, City of London: 020 7332 1452,
07795 333 060,
andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Journalists who would like to view Magna Carta, Charter of
William I, Foundling Hospital records, etc, at the LMA to help them
prepare a feature or report for publication or broadcast are asked
to contact Andrew Buckingham (see above).
Notes for Editors:
LMA holds the archives of the City of London Corporation (COL); the
former Greater London Council (GLC); London County Council (LCC);
Middlesex County Council (MCC); and their predecessors.
London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) is based at 40 Northampton
Road, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 0HB, telephone 020 7332 3820
The City of London provides local government services for the
Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is
committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business
City as the world's leading international financial and business
centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities also
extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of
Guildhall Art Gallery, Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at
the Old Bailey, 10,700 acres of open space including Hampstead
Heath and Epping Forest, three wholesale food markets, as well as
acting as the London Port Health Authority.