Archives and history

Redbridge Heritage Centre is on the second floor of Redbridge Central Library. It is free to use and offers a diverse range of local and family history resources. Many of these general resources including books, historic newspapers and online resources are available during normal Library opening times.

If you visit in person, you must book a session in advance. Visit the Vision website for more information on how to book.

Local and family history resources

We provide a service for local and family history research and hold the largest collection of materials in the Borough on the history of Ilford, Wanstead, Woodford and Redbridge.

These materials include:

periodicals
census information
maps
military resources
free access to Ancestry library edition
free access to Find My Past
free access to British Newspaper Archives

We also have a general collection of books on the history of Essex and the surrounding London boroughs including maps, periodicals and local newspapers.

Materials from the archive service are available by appointment

Schools programme

The Heritage Service delivers a wide range of free education sessions based around the national curriculum. Groups can use historic archives, maps, and photographs to learn about the history of their local area and school.

Combine your session with a visit to the museum where students can handle real artefacts, take part in fun activities and explore the displays.

Contact info.heritage@visionrcl.org.uk for more information or to book a session.

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