London Metropolitan Archives

[Jillychris]

I hope to visit the LMA soon when I go to the Family Records Centre. Can anyone tell me what sort of information I will find there?

I have several Families that were from the London area, so I think I will find it useful to visit, but I want to be prepared and although I have been on their web-site I am still not sure what records they keep.

Thanking you in advance.

Regards
Jill

[Peter Goodey]

You'll find the similar sort of range of stuff that you might find in any County Records Office.


This page summarises the holdings resonably clearly:
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/leisure_heritage/libraries_archives_museums_galleries/JAS/lma/records_held.htm

It also points you to a searchable database of holdings which are particularly relevant to family history research.

[Jillychris]

Thank you Peter that is exactly what I wanted to hear, I have been on their web-site but I wasn't too sure if it was like a records office or not and didn't want to waste what little time I have up there.

Regards
Jill

[Peter Goodey]

Like a visit to other records offices, you'll get most out of a visit by carefully planning beforehand everything you want to achieve and exactly how you aim to achieve it. The online catalogue is a great help in the respect.

While you're in the area, don't forget about the Society of Genealogists library. While it can't rival the depth of a records office, it is sometimes possible to progress one's overall research on a wider geographical front in the same amount of available time.

[Fulhamster]

Hi Jill!
I agree with everything that Peter has said. I paid my first visit to LMA about two weeks ago. Although VERY rewarding I think that I would have acheived even more if I had been better prepared, so do take time to plan exactly what you want to try to acheive. The only thing that I would add to this is that the staff at LMA are very helpful, don't be too shy to ask!

PS If you go on a Thursday, they are open until late so you could maximise your stay.
They are also closed the first two weeks of November (I beleive) for stocktaking.

[Peter Goodey]

"They are also closed the first two weeks of November (I beleive) for stocktaking"
Ah. A far from trivial detail!;)

Thanks for mentioning it - I hadn't spotted that one.

[Jillychris]

Thank you Peter and Fulhamster for your advice. I will make sure I plan as much as possible.

Regards
Jill