Discover Tower Hamlets history online

Tower Hamlets Local History & Archives has launched an online catalogue which will allow residents to discover the history of the local area from the comfort of their own homes. If there’s nothing on TV over the festive period which takes your fancy, go online and find out what the library stocks about your immediate surroundings or on subjects of interest to you. In the New Year, you can then go down to the library to see the actual resources you have found.

The catalogue launch took place on 17th December at the Tower Hamlets History Library in Bancroft Road, where guests were treated on a live demonstration of the catalogue and were also able to view a display of some rare books usually kept under lock and key.

The History Library contains a unique range of heritage collections reflecting the history of the borough from the 16th century to the modern day. Among the collection are:
•over 20,000 books, including some very rare editions and work by often unknown local authors;
•electoral registers for Tower Hamlets from 1901 and other sources for family history;
press cuttings and small press pamphlets and ephemera;
•36,000 photographs and illustrations, including the wonderful photographs by William Whiffin featured in a recent exhibition;
•over 4000 maps and plans;
•over 4,000 title deeds recording transactions of property and land.

Residents will be able to browse the online catalogue and search across the vast range of subjects and time periods that are covered, look up reference numbers, and plan their visit to see original materials in person.

Cllr Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Culture, expressed her enthusiasm, pointing out: “It’s great that, wherever you are in the world, you can find out more about Tower Hamlets’ history and culture. This online catalogue is a fantastic tool and I encourage everyone that has an interest in our history and community to use it.”

The library is open to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 5pm, Thursdays until 8pm and two Saturdays a month. It will be closed for Christmas between 24th December 24 and 1st January.

For more information, go to: www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history

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