Library
Delve into a treasure trove of 30,000 volumes exploring London's rich history, from fashion and arts to plagues and pleasure gardens. We’ve got historical maps too
Blogs-And-Stories
Librarian’s pick: Queer history books to read
Four books on LGBTQ+ history from the museum’s library that you should read, if you haven’t already
Stitches in time: Remaking a 1577 Bible cover
Recreating the embroidery on a 1577 Bible cover that could have been done by Queen Elizabeth I herself?
Mapping the legacy of slavery in London’s Docklands
Traces of the transatlantic slave trade continue to exist in the Docklands landscape
Rare books: What makes them special & how to care for them
Tips on identifying special books, storage and safe handling techniques to preserve these literary artefacts
William Sessarakoo: the Royal African
One man’s journey from African prince through slavery into London high society
Rare books from London Museum's Library
Our Librarian shares a few of his favourite volumes and the stories these have to tell.
How to ‘judge’ a book owner by their bookplate
We don’t really judge, but we can definitely get to know a lot about a book’s owner by their customised bookplate
Mary Seacole: Doctress of the Crimean War
The determined businesswoman and caregiver who looked after troops at war
Ignatius Sancho: Writer & early Black voter
After gaining his freedom, this 18th-century writer became one of the first Black voters in Britain
Inside 'The Vegetable Kingdom': From India to London
Una Maw's Vegetable Kingdom dolls: Blending Indian fabrics and British wit
Is this burnt bible a survivor of the Great Fire of London?
Hidden away for years, we trace its journey from flames to museum shelves
Noble squares & charming cheesecake: A Regency tourist's London diary
Elizabeth Chivers’ unpublished diary gives a peek into her whirlwind 20-day London adventure
From royal menagerie to murderous gardener: A holiday in Georgian London
Elizabeth Chivers’ unpublished diary reveals stories of ghosts and iconic landmarks in 1814 London
A Spanish view of the Great Fire of London
A 1666 report shows the fire made international news
Gustave Doré’s London pilgrimage
The artist’s gloomy illustrations recall his 19th-century trips through the poverty-stricken city
