Southwark Archives
About This Museum
People often wander into the Southwark Archives looking for a specific name or a particular street, hoping to trace a thread of their own story back through time. What they find is so much more—a quiet, almost hallowed space where the entire, messy history of this borough is pressed between pages and filed in boxes. You can lose an entire afternoon here, following the trail of a long-vanished pub or the wartime memories of a neighbour's grandfather. It’s less a museum and more a conversation with the past, leaving you with the sense that these old documents are still very much alive.
Collection Highlights
The real gems are often personal: handwritten World War I letters from local lads on the front, or fragile maps showing the bomb damage that reshaped these very streets. One of my favourite things is the collection of old shop ledgers, detailing the daily life of Borough Market traders from over a century ago.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away on Borough High Street, right above the local library—just ring the bell for access. Best to check their website for opening times before you pop in, as they can be a bit unique.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a solid, unassuming red-brick building that fits right in with the historic character of the area; it feels like it's always been part of the street's fabric.
Contact & Location
Address: Mouse Tail Coffee, 211, Borough High Street, Borough Market, The Borough, London Borough of Southwark, London, Greater London, England, SE1 1JA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7525 0232
Website: Visit Website
