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Bromley Historic Collections

Bromley Historic Collections

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Welcome to Bromley Historic Collections

From our learning and research tools to our printing and computer facilities, discover a range of resources and services at Bromley Historic Collections. With access to a range of archival materials and our special collection of items covering Bromley's rich history there's plenty of reasons to visit.

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What's on Services Library news Catalogue

Bromley Historic Collections

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Address

2nd Floor, Bromley Central Library, High St
Bromley
BR1 1EX

020 3931 0907

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Fees and charges

We sell a range of regionally-themed merchandise in Bromley Historic Collections. Additionally, elements of our collection can be copied for a licensing fee.  

Contact local staff for more information about the prices.

Ask us!

In Bromley historic collections, we have information on a wide range of topics and interests relating to the borough. Even if your area of interest isn't mentioned as part of our collection, our staff can always lend a hand answering any historical questions you may have.

Feel free to email us with any general enquiries about the borough's history. 

Help Centre

Got a question about the libraries in the borough? Visit our Help Centre for answers to our most frequently asked questions and details about how to get in touch with your local library.
Find out more below.
Bromley Help Centre

Bromley Historic Collections FAQ

Does Bromley Historic Collections take general historical enquiries?
Absolutely! Topics we can investigate can be, but are not limited to:
  • House history
  • Boundary disputes
  • Old photographs
  • Business histories
  • Council meeting minutes.
Please call 020 3931 0907, email Historic.collections@gll.org or visit during our available hours. Enquiries for this kind of information often require much investigation, so we may not be able to answer immediately. 
What do I do if i'd like to donate something to a collection?
If you would like to donate a historical object that you own to the collection, please call 020 3931 0907 or email Historic.collections@gll.org and give us additional information. 

While we believe everything has historical value, please be aware we may not be able to take certain objects.
How do I make copies of the information in Bromley Historic Collections?
Many of our collections can only be photographed after purchasing a license for £5. This license gives you free reign to photograph as much of our content, within reason, that you desire.
Some of our photographs can be conventionally photocopied for the typical library price, at 10p per black & white A4, and 25p for colour A4 (doubled for A3 copies). 

For more information on how we disambiguate these categories, please contact us.
How do I access items in your non-public archive?
To access some of the items in our archive (found here), you may get in contact with us. We require a 48 hour notice period to process requests.

We can only arrange viewings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays.
How do I access your directories?
In Bromley Historic Collections, we have copies of electoral registers, street directories, and telephone directories spanning decades. 

Please note, due to changes in the law circa 2003, our collections of electoral registers are limited to releasing only 10 years after their initial collection date. As such, electoral registers from any less than 10 years ago are unavailable. Electoral registers between 2003 and 10 years ago are accessible via appointment only, and have strict pre-requisites involved in their viewing. Contact us for more information on viewing electoral registers.
How do I use the catalogue?
To search the catalogue on the external page, please refer to their help section for more information. Click here for more information.
Do you sell local souvenirs or postcards?
Yes, we pride ourselves on having a broad collection of postcards featuring historic images of the borough in its infancy. 

We also sell Bromley Historic Collections themed mugs. 
I have microfiche/microfilm rolls that i'd like to read..
If you have a microfiche/microfilm roll, but not the device to read it, you're in luck! At Bromley Historic Collections, we have several devices where you will be able to read your rolls free of charge. If you are looking to make digital copies of your rolls, please be aware that you must provide your own USB-compatible storage device (i.e. a memory stick), as the device is not connected to the internet.

If you are unsure how to use the device, please contact staff for more information.
Do you have old newspapers I can view?
Yes! Much of our archived newspapers are available on microfilm rolls. These can be read on our microfilm reader. If you don't know how to use this device, local staff are more than happy to help you. If you have any questions about the hardware or the process, don't hesitate to call or email us. 
Do you have historical OS maps?
Our collection of historical OS maps covers a substantial portion of the borough over the past century. Contact us for more details. 

Proud to partner with Bromley Council

We're proud to work with the London Borough of Bromley to operate 14 libraries across the region.

By partnering with Bromley Council, we're able to provide services and facilities that benefit the whole community. From reading clubs and online services to free Wi-Fi and support groups like Start Up Bromley, find what you're looking for at your local library.
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