The archive reading room is closed as part of the ongoing works to redevelop Canning Town Old Library into Newham Heritage Centre, due to open in 2027. We will continue to offer a remote service for research and licensing enquiries via archiveslocalstudies@newham.gov.uk or by calling 020 3373 6881.
Newham Heritage Centre
Canning Town Old Library is a Grade II-listed building with deep ties to social and working-class history in east London and beyond. With funding from the Levelling Up Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this building will become Newham Heritage Centre, a cultural hub, which will be the new home of Newham Council’s historic collections and a dynamic programme of cultural activities. You can keep informed about the project by signing up for our newsletter here: Newham Heritage Centre News. You can also follow us on Instagram here: Newham Heritage Centre (@newhamheritagecentre).
Archive collections
We hold over 400,000 records, including:
- Photographs and illustrations. You can find some highlights from our holdings here: London Borough of Newham - Photos
- Films of Newham. You can find some highlights from our holdings here: Newham Heritage Service – London's Screen Archives – Collection
- Local newspapers
- Electoral registers
- Trade directories
- Documents from local organisations, such as schools, hospitals, churches and factories
- Administrative records of Newham Council and our predecessors
Museum artefacts
We also have a large collection of artefacts which are available for loan. They include:
- Paintings, including the largest collection of works by Madge Gill
- Ceramics, including over a hundred pieces of Bow Porcelain
- Costumes and textiles
- Archaeological material
- Architectural models
- Household items
- Tools of local trades
