Local History Library

Temporary relocation

Until summer 2009, the Local History Library will be temporarily located on the first floor of the Peckham Library:
Peckham Library
122 Peckham Hill Street
Peckham
London
SE15 5JR

Telephone 020 7525 0232

Download this PDF for more information (pdf 20kb).

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Southwark's range of historical experience is a story vividly told through surviving historical documents.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 Southwark, or any other, 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.

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
  

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 used on these web pages can be found in the collection.

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.

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.

Facilities

The library has disabled access and toilet facilities. Microfilm readers, a photocopier and a photograph copying stand, for which there is a charge, are available for public use. A sales point stocks a range of local publications. There are no refreshment facilities on site, but plenty in the surrounding area.

Getting there

From August 2008 to summer 2009, the Local History Library will be temporarilylocated at Peckham Library. Follow this link for more information.

Rail and tube

We are very close to Peckham Rye rail station.

Bus

12, 171, 436, 36, 78, 63, 463, 312 pass the library.

Car

On street car parking is very limited. There are three Southwark Council run car parks in Peckham:

Choumert Grove Car Park, Peckham SE15

Copeland Road Car Park, Peckham SE15

Peckham Town Centre Car Park

Contact us

Follow this link for more information (pdf 20kb).

Opening hours

Monday and Thursday, 10am to 8pm
Tuesday and Friday, 10am to 5pm
Wednesday, closed
Saturday, 10am to 1pm

local.history.library@southwark.gov.uk