Tower Hamlets Archives

New Exhibition Sneak Peak! Communities of Liberation is now preparing for a re-launch at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives. Join us on Thursday 26 March 6-8pm for the unveiling of the new exhibition. Book Here orlo.uk/yYg1v

Women and the Regent's Canal, and its industries 12 Mar 6-7.30pm For Women's History Month Carolyn Clark will present stories and images of women's lives, both on and living by the eastern reach of the Regent’s Canal. Details orlo.uk/X1ISr

Join us for a fitting finale for the exhibition, for our last event in the Next Stop programme we're thrilled to welcome the esteemed London railway historian Jim Connor to give a talk. Book via Evenbrite orlo.uk/here_NHDNn

Fielding Postcards Book Launch 22nd Jan 5.30 - 8pm Fielding Postcards book presents a unique set of 33 colour picture postcards sold by Watney Street newsagent Charles Fielding in the early 1900s. Further details can be found on orlo.uk/mHG5Q

Exhibition launch: Tom Lyddon’s Cityscapes Sat 17 Jan, 2-3.30pm Join us for the official launch of local artist Tom Lyddon’s exhibition at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives. A short Q&A with Tom Lyddon led by Richard Wiltshire at 2.15pm No booking required

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all who celebrate from Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives! 🎄 ☃️ 🥳 This photo from our collection shows a visit from Father Christmas to a children's party at Poplar Methodist Church in around 1950 🎅

We are pleased to welcome the Friends of Island History Trust (FOHIT) for a talk exploring the history of buses on the Isle of Dogs. Book via Eventbrite orlo.uk/YlhVo

It's the final day of Explore Your Archive week, so to celebrate here are some photos from the opening of our strong room in 1988! The space, which is still in use, was formerly a lecture hall added to our building in 1904. #YourArchives #ExploreYourArchive

While sorting through duplicate books in preparation for today's book sale we discovered this Christmas present from George Lansbury to his wife Bessie. By that time they had been together for 54 years, as noted in his touching inscription. #EYAAnniversaries #ExploreYourArchive

Last minute reminder that our Book Sale is TOMORROW between 10 and 2! 📚 This year we'll also be hosting stalls from local publishers, crafters, makers and more - meaning even more choice for you book lovers and bargain hunters ♥️

For decades the Tower Hamlets Mobile Library Service providing books to those who could not easily access their local library branch. Our collections include many photos and archival records showing how the service evolved over the years. #EYAInclusion #ExploreYourArchive

Digitisation helps protect original material from excessive handling while enabling greater access. This year alone we have digitised over 18,000 pages of 230 archive documents, including these church and poor rate books from the parish of Bow. #EYADigital #ExploreYourArchive

Bethnal Green was once home to the infamous Club Row pet market, where live puppies were sold alongside lion cubs and monkeys. Following protests by animal rights groups the street sale of live animals was banned and the market closed in 1983. #EYAPets #ExploreYourArchive

The two-minute silence on Armistice Day used to be known as the ‘Great Hush’ as the country fell quiet to mark the end of the First World War. In 1927 William Whiffin captured the Great Hush outside King George's Hall, East India Dock Road. #EYASilence #ExploreYourArchive

Many thanks to E1 Festival co-organiser Maggie Pinhorn and Carla Mitchell from Four Corners for hosting our screening of 'Alright, We'll Do It Ourselves' on Thursday - a 1972 BBC documentary about the origins of Stepney's E1 Festival.

Did you know that the Bow Bridge had medieval origins? It was built in the 12th century after Queen Matilda’s retinue fell into the River Lea. You can find out more about the bridge in our exhibition Next Stop which is on until February 2026! #EYAMedieval #ExploreYourArchive

We have many beautiful items in our collections, but this painting of the Burdett-Coutts fountain in Victoria Park is particularly lovely! The watercolour is attributed to Edmund Walker and shows the opening of the fountain in 1862 🖌️ #EYABeauty #ExploreYourArchive

Do you remember the Tower Hamlets Youth Music Workshop? If you were involved, or know who was, please do get in touch! We’ve recently taken in the archive of sound reels which are in poor condition and in need of restoration work. #EYAConservation #ExploreYourArchive

Write Idea begins Tomorrow! Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives will host a stall this Saturday 22 November. With books for sale, freebie pamphlets & reference material for you to browse. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday @idea_stores

📚 BOOK SALE + Festive stalls Saturday 6 December, 10am-2pm Book fiends, historians, bargain hunters, and last minute festive shoppers, our annual BOOK SALE returns! Choose from a wide range of pre-loved local history books and pamphlets - priced at £2 paperback & £5 hardbacks.