Guildhall Library
@guildhalllibrary.bsky.social
A quick peek inside our stores 👀💫
January 22, 2026 at 11:50 AM
A quick peek inside our stores 👀💫
The images are from 'The Ladies most elegant and convenient pocket book' 1785, a diary for upper-class women to manage social and financial life.
Our copy is well-used, and while the writer is unknown, they had close ties to Guildhall, recording rides, dinners, and meetings with the Lord Mayor.
Our copy is well-used, and while the writer is unknown, they had close ties to Guildhall, recording rides, dinners, and meetings with the Lord Mayor.
January 21, 2026 at 3:15 PM
The images are from 'The Ladies most elegant and convenient pocket book' 1785, a diary for upper-class women to manage social and financial life.
Our copy is well-used, and while the writer is unknown, they had close ties to Guildhall, recording rides, dinners, and meetings with the Lord Mayor.
Our copy is well-used, and while the writer is unknown, they had close ties to Guildhall, recording rides, dinners, and meetings with the Lord Mayor.
Online resources update 🖥️⚠️
Guildhall Library now offers unlimited seats to The British Newspaper Archive 🎉 No need to request a login from staff - simply register online for your own account and enjoy unrestricted access while in the library!
We still offer a login with you don't wish to sign up
Guildhall Library now offers unlimited seats to The British Newspaper Archive 🎉 No need to request a login from staff - simply register online for your own account and enjoy unrestricted access while in the library!
We still offer a login with you don't wish to sign up
January 20, 2026 at 12:21 PM
Online resources update 🖥️⚠️
Guildhall Library now offers unlimited seats to The British Newspaper Archive 🎉 No need to request a login from staff - simply register online for your own account and enjoy unrestricted access while in the library!
We still offer a login with you don't wish to sign up
Guildhall Library now offers unlimited seats to The British Newspaper Archive 🎉 No need to request a login from staff - simply register online for your own account and enjoy unrestricted access while in the library!
We still offer a login with you don't wish to sign up
The French Revolution transformed fashion, as the gentry swapped extravagant garments and hair accessories for simpler clothing inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome.
Images taken from 'Our Grandmothers' Gowns' by Mrs Alfred Hunt (shelf mark: S 391:2 ) which illustrate post-revolution fashion trends.
Images taken from 'Our Grandmothers' Gowns' by Mrs Alfred Hunt (shelf mark: S 391:2 ) which illustrate post-revolution fashion trends.
January 19, 2026 at 12:26 PM
The French Revolution transformed fashion, as the gentry swapped extravagant garments and hair accessories for simpler clothing inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome.
Images taken from 'Our Grandmothers' Gowns' by Mrs Alfred Hunt (shelf mark: S 391:2 ) which illustrate post-revolution fashion trends.
Images taken from 'Our Grandmothers' Gowns' by Mrs Alfred Hunt (shelf mark: S 391:2 ) which illustrate post-revolution fashion trends.
'London's armory accuratly delineated in a graphical display of all the arms, crests.... of every company and corporate societie in the City of London' by Richard Wallis (1677) (GR 3.3.7)
A striking collection of the coats of arms of various City of London livery companies. 🛡️🦁
A striking collection of the coats of arms of various City of London livery companies. 🛡️🦁
January 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM
'London's armory accuratly delineated in a graphical display of all the arms, crests.... of every company and corporate societie in the City of London' by Richard Wallis (1677) (GR 3.3.7)
A striking collection of the coats of arms of various City of London livery companies. 🛡️🦁
A striking collection of the coats of arms of various City of London livery companies. 🛡️🦁
Street food stalls of Victorian London were operated by costermongers, the working poor. Henry Mayhew's 'London Labour and the London Poor' of 1864 (SL 61:4) a ground-breaking survey carried out over 1851-62. Contains first hand accounts & statistics that gave a true picture of life on the streets.
January 15, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Street food stalls of Victorian London were operated by costermongers, the working poor. Henry Mayhew's 'London Labour and the London Poor' of 1864 (SL 61:4) a ground-breaking survey carried out over 1851-62. Contains first hand accounts & statistics that gave a true picture of life on the streets.
The Bibelots were a decorative series of mini classics published in early 1900s. 'Leaves from Pepys' Diary' of 1910 (PEPYS 483) contains a collection of quotes from Samuel Pepys Diary under headings such as Observances, Dress, Sports & Pastimes - making the book accessible & affordable to many. 📖
January 14, 2026 at 4:58 PM
The Bibelots were a decorative series of mini classics published in early 1900s. 'Leaves from Pepys' Diary' of 1910 (PEPYS 483) contains a collection of quotes from Samuel Pepys Diary under headings such as Observances, Dress, Sports & Pastimes - making the book accessible & affordable to many. 📖
⭐️ In-Person History and Treasures talk ⭐️
Wednesday 28th January - 6pm - FREE
Join our librarians to learn about the history of Guildhall Library and view some of the library’s amazing treasures. 📖
Please book via: Guildhall Library Eventbrite page #freetalk
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-...
Wednesday 28th January - 6pm - FREE
Join our librarians to learn about the history of Guildhall Library and view some of the library’s amazing treasures. 📖
Please book via: Guildhall Library Eventbrite page #freetalk
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-...
January 13, 2026 at 1:39 PM
⭐️ In-Person History and Treasures talk ⭐️
Wednesday 28th January - 6pm - FREE
Join our librarians to learn about the history of Guildhall Library and view some of the library’s amazing treasures. 📖
Please book via: Guildhall Library Eventbrite page #freetalk
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-...
Wednesday 28th January - 6pm - FREE
Join our librarians to learn about the history of Guildhall Library and view some of the library’s amazing treasures. 📖
Please book via: Guildhall Library Eventbrite page #freetalk
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-...
Looking for affordable room hire in the heart of the City of London? 🧑💻🙋♀️
We have 2 accessible rooms available for meetings, training sessions or talks from £20 per hour! For bookings on weekdays only between 9am-4:30pm. We're located between Bank & Moorgate stations.
Contact us to find out more!
We have 2 accessible rooms available for meetings, training sessions or talks from £20 per hour! For bookings on weekdays only between 9am-4:30pm. We're located between Bank & Moorgate stations.
Contact us to find out more!
January 9, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Looking for affordable room hire in the heart of the City of London? 🧑💻🙋♀️
We have 2 accessible rooms available for meetings, training sessions or talks from £20 per hour! For bookings on weekdays only between 9am-4:30pm. We're located between Bank & Moorgate stations.
Contact us to find out more!
We have 2 accessible rooms available for meetings, training sessions or talks from £20 per hour! For bookings on weekdays only between 9am-4:30pm. We're located between Bank & Moorgate stations.
Contact us to find out more!
Guildhall Library is the largest collection in the world devoted to the history of a single city. We are a public reference library with 200,000 titles dating from the 15th to the 21st centuries.
We are open 10am-4pm, Monday to Thursday.
Come and discover the extraordinary story of London! 📖⭐️
We are open 10am-4pm, Monday to Thursday.
Come and discover the extraordinary story of London! 📖⭐️
January 8, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Guildhall Library is the largest collection in the world devoted to the history of a single city. We are a public reference library with 200,000 titles dating from the 15th to the 21st centuries.
We are open 10am-4pm, Monday to Thursday.
Come and discover the extraordinary story of London! 📖⭐️
We are open 10am-4pm, Monday to Thursday.
Come and discover the extraordinary story of London! 📖⭐️
Back in June 2025 we mentioned secret filming taking place with our copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio in the Guildhall. We are pleased to announce this was part of the programme, 'Judi Dench: Shakespeare, my family and me' aired on Channel 4.
You can watch it here www.channel4.com/programmes/j...
You can watch it here www.channel4.com/programmes/j...
January 7, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Back in June 2025 we mentioned secret filming taking place with our copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio in the Guildhall. We are pleased to announce this was part of the programme, 'Judi Dench: Shakespeare, my family and me' aired on Channel 4.
You can watch it here www.channel4.com/programmes/j...
You can watch it here www.channel4.com/programmes/j...
Wonderful image of a frost fair on the Thames in 1814. ❄️
Part of a fascinating scrapbook 'Bartholomew, Frost and Suburban Fairs consisting of portraits, rare views, cuttings, music etc.1718-1890'. (GR 3.3.1) Collected by A. Beevor Osborne.❄️🎠
Part of a fascinating scrapbook 'Bartholomew, Frost and Suburban Fairs consisting of portraits, rare views, cuttings, music etc.1718-1890'. (GR 3.3.1) Collected by A. Beevor Osborne.❄️🎠
January 6, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Wonderful image of a frost fair on the Thames in 1814. ❄️
Part of a fascinating scrapbook 'Bartholomew, Frost and Suburban Fairs consisting of portraits, rare views, cuttings, music etc.1718-1890'. (GR 3.3.1) Collected by A. Beevor Osborne.❄️🎠
Part of a fascinating scrapbook 'Bartholomew, Frost and Suburban Fairs consisting of portraits, rare views, cuttings, music etc.1718-1890'. (GR 3.3.1) Collected by A. Beevor Osborne.❄️🎠
A Happy New Year to all our customers!🎉
'Frostiana; or a history of the Thames in a frozen state' (A 7.3 NO 77) pub. in 1814 is a history of the Thames freezing over, winter fairs & hazards of the cold. Copies of this book were printed on a press set up on the frozen Thames during a fair in 1814 ❄️
'Frostiana; or a history of the Thames in a frozen state' (A 7.3 NO 77) pub. in 1814 is a history of the Thames freezing over, winter fairs & hazards of the cold. Copies of this book were printed on a press set up on the frozen Thames during a fair in 1814 ❄️
January 5, 2026 at 4:58 PM
A Happy New Year to all our customers!🎉
'Frostiana; or a history of the Thames in a frozen state' (A 7.3 NO 77) pub. in 1814 is a history of the Thames freezing over, winter fairs & hazards of the cold. Copies of this book were printed on a press set up on the frozen Thames during a fair in 1814 ❄️
'Frostiana; or a history of the Thames in a frozen state' (A 7.3 NO 77) pub. in 1814 is a history of the Thames freezing over, winter fairs & hazards of the cold. Copies of this book were printed on a press set up on the frozen Thames during a fair in 1814 ❄️
We are now closed for the holidays ❄️🎄 Thank you to all who has visited Guildhall Library this year. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2026!
Wishing everyone a joyful holidays and a happy new year! 🥳
We re-open on Monday 5th January.
Wishing everyone a joyful holidays and a happy new year! 🥳
We re-open on Monday 5th January.
December 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
We are now closed for the holidays ❄️🎄 Thank you to all who has visited Guildhall Library this year. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2026!
Wishing everyone a joyful holidays and a happy new year! 🥳
We re-open on Monday 5th January.
Wishing everyone a joyful holidays and a happy new year! 🥳
We re-open on Monday 5th January.
Christmas is nearly here 🎄
Just a reminder, Guildhall Library will be closed 24 December to 4 January 📆
We re-open at 10am on Monday 5th January 2026 🎉
For some last minute research or Christmas presents, you can visit the library today and tomorrow, between 10am to 4pm 🙂
Just a reminder, Guildhall Library will be closed 24 December to 4 January 📆
We re-open at 10am on Monday 5th January 2026 🎉
For some last minute research or Christmas presents, you can visit the library today and tomorrow, between 10am to 4pm 🙂
December 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Christmas is nearly here 🎄
Just a reminder, Guildhall Library will be closed 24 December to 4 January 📆
We re-open at 10am on Monday 5th January 2026 🎉
For some last minute research or Christmas presents, you can visit the library today and tomorrow, between 10am to 4pm 🙂
Just a reminder, Guildhall Library will be closed 24 December to 4 January 📆
We re-open at 10am on Monday 5th January 2026 🎉
For some last minute research or Christmas presents, you can visit the library today and tomorrow, between 10am to 4pm 🙂
⭐Children have always wanted the latest toys for Christmas. 🎅This brochure from 1938 for the famous Gamages department store (1878-1972) in Holborn shows the latest must-have toys (LARGE PAM 497) ⭐
December 18, 2025 at 1:38 PM
⭐Children have always wanted the latest toys for Christmas. 🎅This brochure from 1938 for the famous Gamages department store (1878-1972) in Holborn shows the latest must-have toys (LARGE PAM 497) ⭐
Welcome to Guildhall Library's new events programme for January-April 2026!
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/Thing...
Please book ahead on Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/guildhall-...
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/Thing...
Please book ahead on Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/guildhall-...
December 17, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Welcome to Guildhall Library's new events programme for January-April 2026!
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/Thing...
Please book ahead on Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/guildhall-...
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/Thing...
Please book ahead on Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/guildhall-...
With a cover as ornate as a Christmas decoration, 'Visions of Sugarplums...' by Mimi Sheraton (1968) (ED 368) is a collection of Christmas recipes and confections. Part of Elizabeth David's own collection held here. 🍰🎄
December 16, 2025 at 4:44 PM
With a cover as ornate as a Christmas decoration, 'Visions of Sugarplums...' by Mimi Sheraton (1968) (ED 368) is a collection of Christmas recipes and confections. Part of Elizabeth David's own collection held here. 🍰🎄
'Stenelaus and Amylda: A Christmas Legend' published 1862 (PAM 1480) With illustrations by George Cruikshank (1792-1878) who also illustrated the works of Charles Dickens (1812-1870) A tale of temperance.
December 16, 2025 at 9:52 AM
'Stenelaus and Amylda: A Christmas Legend' published 1862 (PAM 1480) With illustrations by George Cruikshank (1792-1878) who also illustrated the works of Charles Dickens (1812-1870) A tale of temperance.
Here is another one of our Christmas Treasures - Mrs. Brown's Christmas Box by Arthur Sketchley (shelf mark: AN 2 1.4.16)🎄🎁
A Christmas box is a German tradition, typically filled with treats for children to enjoy on Christmas Eve 🍬
A Christmas box is a German tradition, typically filled with treats for children to enjoy on Christmas Eve 🍬
December 12, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Here is another one of our Christmas Treasures - Mrs. Brown's Christmas Box by Arthur Sketchley (shelf mark: AN 2 1.4.16)🎄🎁
A Christmas box is a German tradition, typically filled with treats for children to enjoy on Christmas Eve 🍬
A Christmas box is a German tradition, typically filled with treats for children to enjoy on Christmas Eve 🍬
Have you heard any carols lately? 👀🎶
We found a collection of Christmas carols at the back of William Sandys' 'Christmastide : its history, festivities, and carols' (shelf mark: S 394:2663). It gives a glimpse into the songs sung in 1825.
We found a collection of Christmas carols at the back of William Sandys' 'Christmastide : its history, festivities, and carols' (shelf mark: S 394:2663). It gives a glimpse into the songs sung in 1825.
December 11, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Have you heard any carols lately? 👀🎶
We found a collection of Christmas carols at the back of William Sandys' 'Christmastide : its history, festivities, and carols' (shelf mark: S 394:2663). It gives a glimpse into the songs sung in 1825.
We found a collection of Christmas carols at the back of William Sandys' 'Christmastide : its history, festivities, and carols' (shelf mark: S 394:2663). It gives a glimpse into the songs sung in 1825.
Many of our Christmas traditions come from the Victorians. Mistletoe décor dates to the 1700s, but Victorian Britain made kissing under it popular. While, Prince Albert helped turn the Christmas tree into a holiday staple .
These images from Christmastide by William Sandys (S 394:2663) show both.
These images from Christmastide by William Sandys (S 394:2663) show both.
December 10, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Many of our Christmas traditions come from the Victorians. Mistletoe décor dates to the 1700s, but Victorian Britain made kissing under it popular. While, Prince Albert helped turn the Christmas tree into a holiday staple .
These images from Christmastide by William Sandys (S 394:2663) show both.
These images from Christmastide by William Sandys (S 394:2663) show both.
In 1860, the well-known satirical magazine Punch released 'Punch's games for Christmas, evening parties & all the year round' (PAM 2055). o This collection offered a plethora of ideas for festive amusement, capturing the essence of Victorian entertainment🎄
December 9, 2025 at 12:26 PM
In 1860, the well-known satirical magazine Punch released 'Punch's games for Christmas, evening parties & all the year round' (PAM 2055). o This collection offered a plethora of ideas for festive amusement, capturing the essence of Victorian entertainment🎄
'Tis the season of giving 🎁 In the 19th century, tea was marketed as an appropriate, respectable gift.
Below is an advertisement by tea merchants, the Moore Brothers, promoting their 'Christmas gifts' department, highlighting the festive teas available (shelf mark: PAM 23961).
Below is an advertisement by tea merchants, the Moore Brothers, promoting their 'Christmas gifts' department, highlighting the festive teas available (shelf mark: PAM 23961).
December 8, 2025 at 12:26 PM
'Tis the season of giving 🎁 In the 19th century, tea was marketed as an appropriate, respectable gift.
Below is an advertisement by tea merchants, the Moore Brothers, promoting their 'Christmas gifts' department, highlighting the festive teas available (shelf mark: PAM 23961).
Below is an advertisement by tea merchants, the Moore Brothers, promoting their 'Christmas gifts' department, highlighting the festive teas available (shelf mark: PAM 23961).
We have had the pleasure today of hosting the second part of the 2025 annual CERL seminar: 'Your library is your portrait: Engaging with Founding Collections in the 21st century' CERL is the Consortium of European Research Libraries.
December 5, 2025 at 3:37 PM
We have had the pleasure today of hosting the second part of the 2025 annual CERL seminar: 'Your library is your portrait: Engaging with Founding Collections in the 21st century' CERL is the Consortium of European Research Libraries.