Tower Hamlets Archives

Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives • Free public access to collections documenting the histories of London's East End • Related events & exhibitions

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

We had a lovely donation of vintage books by local author W.W. Jacobs this week 📚

Jacobs was born in Mile End and grew up in Wapping. His most famous story 'The Monkey's Paw' is a horror classic which has inspired everyone from Stephen King to the Simpsons 🐵 🤚

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

We hope all who celebrated had a happy Eid al-Adha! Our collections include wonderful flyers from past Eid events in Tower Hamlets. We’d love to grow this part of our archive, so if you have any flyers or photos from Eid events in the borough, we’d be delighted to hear from you!

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

New Event!

London’s Lost Black Pubs & Taverns
Thursday 18 June 6.00-7.30pm
Join author S.I. Martin for an introduction to the forgotten world of London's Black pubs in the 1700s and 1800s.

Book via https://t.co/crTvCxvr7M

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

We've been busy adding new books to our Local History Library this week, on everything from the General Strike to grime 📚 ✊ 🎤

You can find the latest titles on all things East End in our Reading Room, but we also have books dating back to 1583 if you're feeling nostalgic.

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

Today marks 100 years since the end of the 1926 General Strike, when the country came to a standstill for nine days.

To find out more, you can explore our collections relating to the strike which include bulletins, newspaper articles, photos and Council minutes!

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

Happy St George's Day!

St George in the East Church in Shadwell is one of the six church designed by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor.

A celebration of St George in the East church launches today 4-8pm. Visit the exhibition daily 10-4pm.

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

Sat 16 May, 12-3pm
Protest Then and Now: Digital Tools for Collective Action, a workshop be led by Derek Curry & Jennifer Gradecki. Participants will explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence are transforming the way communities organise and resist.

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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

https://t.co/kDhbDkuVLd

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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 https://t.co/kDv0BKj9gV

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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 https://t.co/6ZJuvXOwdB

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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 https://t.co/3fcvMqKWYX

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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 🎅

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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 https://t.co/juCyp8bQCH

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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 ♥️

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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

[Tower Hamlets Archives @LBTHArchives]

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