Lambeth Archives

Lambeth Archives is the record office and local studies library for the London borough of Lambeth. We hold the historic records of Lambeth council, the deposited records of many local organisations and a local studies and museum collection.

Lambeth Archives is reopening 

After 133 years of being based at the Minet Library, Lambeth Archives is finally moving its historic collections to a new purpose-built archive facility at 16 Brixton Hill, SW2 1ET.  

The move is nearing completion, and we are delighted to reopen to visitors from Monday 12 February 2024, initially by appointment. Do email archives@lambeth.gov.uk or contact us on 020 7926 6076 to make a booking.

You can easily reach us by public transport.  Brixton Underground and National Rail Stations are just a short walk.  Bus stops close by, serve a number of local bus routes.


Q&As 
Will visitors still be able to see original material during the temporary closure?  
It will only be possible to see original material when the archives service reopens at the new site


What other resources can I use to discover Lambeth’s past? 
There are a range of other resources available to discover Lambeth’s rich histories including:

Historic images Borough Photos Lambeth Search for free our rich collection of historic images of the borough, including illustrations, paintings, photographs, some maps and ephemera.  Prints can be purchased via the website or email archives@lambeth.gov.uk to purchase digital files

Members of Lambeth Libraries can access a range of digital resources including Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Ancestry and Times Digital Archive

Access Local history books at Lambeth’s lending libraries, search the libraries and archives catalogue here  

View historic home movies, documentaries, and footage of Lambeth here 

Lambeth Local History Forum  for local history walks as well as recordings of past talks

How can I discover what collections you hold at Lambeth Archives? 
Our comprehensive collection guides offer more information  
Most of our catalogues are hosted by The National Archives Discovery portal 
So why not have a look and plan what you will see when we reopen at the new site

Will you be accepting new archives and local history materials during the temporary closure? 
Unfortunately, this will not be possible. However, we look forward to hearing about what you have to offer when we reopen at the new site.