The archive reading room is closed from 3 March 2026 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
