Port and River Archive access and enquiries
The Port and River Archive, which incorporates the Port of London Authority Archive, has records, publications and photographs relating to the working river, and films of the Thames from the 20th century. Book an appointment to view archive holdings or send a query to the archivist.
Ask the archivist
To make an enquiry concerning the collection, or if you would like to visit the archive, please email [email protected] with your request. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 20 days, but this may take longer if the service is particularly busy. Read more about research visit appointments.
The Search Room
The Search Room is located at the Museum of London Docklands, in the Sainsbury Gallery and Study Centre.
Access to the material held in the library is via the Search Room appointment system. Please note that for security reasons the library is not accessible for browsing at present. As with the archive collections, books can be requested and brought through to the Search Room for you.
Opening times
The Search Room is open by appointment on Thursdays, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm.
Appointments must be booked in advance, as the archive cannot accommodate drop-in users.
Making an appointment
To make an appointment please fill out the Research Visit Request Form. Please be as specific as possible about what you wish to see and why. We will then contact you to confirm the appointment. For more information, view the Research Visits page.
Conditions of access
The first time you visit the Search Room you will need to show two forms of original identification, proof of your name with signature and proof of address.
All visits will also be subject to the terms published on the reverse of the Research Visit Request form, which you will be asked to sign on arrival.
You may take reference photographs of material, subject to physical condition and copyright restrictions, on signing a camera agreement and keeping an accurate list of what you have photographed.
Search room facilities
The Search Room has lockers available to store personal possessions, and power points for charging electronic devices.
Contact us
The Port and River Archive
Museum of London Docklands
No. 1 Warehouse
West India Quay
London E14 4AL
email: [email protected]
tel: 020 7001 9850
