Local History

Get information about how to get to the Local History Library, opening hours and the services available

Find out more about our upcoming exhibitions launching in July.

Our next exhibition here on site will be Next Stop – 900 Years of Public Transport in Tower Hamlets, which explores the fascinating history of public transport in the East End over nine centuries. It spans the construction of the Bow Bridge in the 12^th century, the opening of the Elizabeth Line in the 21st, and the Victorian innovations in steam and underground travel in between.

Explore our current events, including our exhibition programme  

This is a historical research and public art project which aims to increase awareness of the long history of the African presence in the borough of Tower Hamlets.

This catalogue holds the collections held by Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives. The collections include an extraordinary range of original archival documents, books, pamphlets, periodicals, maps, photographs and films.

Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives holds outstanding and unique resources for the study of the history of London’s world famous East End. 

Our local history library covers a range of popular East End subjects. These include migration and communities, local industries and political movements. We also hold loads of photographs, press cuttings and rare publications.

Here you can browse some of our 36,000 images reflecting life in Tower Hamlets over the centuries.

We have a range of free online resources including access to the Ancestry library and the British Newspaper Archive

Explore our events which aim to engage people with the rich history of the East End through our collections.

Be the first to hear the latest news and information coming straight from the Local History Library and Archive team with their regular newsletter.

Discover the history of Tower Hamlets through led and self-guided walks