Collections The Harrow Archive

The Harrow Archive, formerly known as the Local History Collection, has been preserving the borough’s history since 1948, when it was first established at Wealdstone Library. It later moved to Gayton Library in 1968 following the appointment of Harrow’s first Local History Librarian, and then to the Civic Centre Library when it opened in 1972.

Since October 2013, the Archive has been based at Headstone Manor & Museum.

The Archive holds a wide range of material relating to Harrow and its people, past and present. This includes documents, books, ephemera, maps and visual material, reflecting the history and development of the borough and its communities.

Collection enquires 

In order for us to answer your enquiry, we kindly request that you complete a short enquiry form here. We then aim to respond to your enquiry via email within 14 days.

Online resources

A list of online resources available for local history enquiries can be found here: Recommended Resources

Other archives which have material related to Harrow include:

Borough Photos. Harrow Local History Collection and Archives are delighted to bring you this collection of historic images from the London Borough of Harrow, ranging from the late 1800s to the early 2000s which you can purchase today. They were digitised as part of an ongoing effort to increase access to the heritage collections of Harrow online and allow people with an interest in the region to enjoy and engage with its past. All purchases support the Museum,

The London Picture Archives. This collection contains hundreds of photographs and images of areas in Harrow, including many taken by the Greater London Council (GLC) which are catalogued in the Local History Collection.

The London Screen Archives. Over 60 films and film clips of civic events, celebrations, and events as well as films made by local cine club Harrow Film Makers are available to watch for free! You can contact the LSA directly to license the films for commercial use, distribution, or to play for events.

The Nostalgic Picture Library. This private collection features images of Harrow digitised from glass plate negatives taken by photographer Alfred Cooke.

The Francis Frith Collection. Francis Frith, well known maker of vintage postcards, has dozens of images of the borough available to view for free on their website.