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Waltham Forest Archives and local studies library

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Waltham Forest Archives and local studies library are based at  Vestry House Museum.

We are pleased to be welcoming visitors to our Searchroom again from June. Visits are by prior appointment for half days only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For information about appointment availability and our COVID-19 safety measures please email: wfa.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk

We can help you if you are interested in researching the following:

  • Your family history
  • The history of your house or street
  • The development of the local area and local communities
  • Subjects for a school project or for academic research

We hold on one site a wide range of manuscript, printed and pictorial resources for research into all aspects of the history of the Waltham Forest.

Searchroom visits are by prior appointment only on Thursday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

For contact details and access information please see tabs below.

Archives Click to get info

We hold wide-ranging primary sources for the history of our local community.

These include records of:

  • Anglican parishes since 1575 (including parish registers)
  • Chingford Mount Cemetery
  • Local authorities
  • Places of worship
  • Schools
  • Properties and historic buildings
  • Businesses
  • Clubs and societies

Extensive name indexes and local census returns are available in our searchroom.

Local studies library Click to get info

The range of printed sources available in our searchroom includes:

  • Local newspapers
  • Trade directories
  • Electoral registers
  • Council minutes and reports
  • Ordnance Survey and other maps
  • Secondary sources including biographies, histories of organisations, pamphlets and ephemera

Facilities Click to get info

You can view records and archives free of charge, although you will need to make an appointment in advance.

Copying facilities are available, subject to copyright requirements and the physical condition of the original material. Please ask a member of staff for more information and charges.

We regret that we cannot do research for you, but we are here to help you choose relevant sources and make full use of our facilities.

Free Wi-Fi is available in our Searchroom.

Free access to these online resources is available in our Searchroom:

  • Ancestry
  • Essex Ancestors (via Seax from Essex Record Office)

Other records Click to get info

Access and appointments Click to get info

Please contact us to make an appointment. 

The searchroom is situated on the first floor, which is accessible by stairs only. If you would prefer to work in a ground floor room, please let us know when you book your appointment.

Local history and family history societies Click to get info

Other archive services and local history websites Click to get info

Contact Click to get info

Searchroom access is by appointment only.

Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library
Vestry House Museum
Vestry Road 
Walthamstow 
E17 9NH 

Telephone: 020 8496 4391
Email: wfa.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk

Opening times:Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.