Guildhall Library - City of London Libraries

23/10/2026

FREE TALK!

Art, Poetry & the Great War

Wednesday 11th November - 2-3pm

In the face of strict official censorship, artists with direct experience of the war depicted the conflict in powerful and often deeply disturbing works of art. In the years following the Armistice we shall see how each side attempted to come to terms with the aftermath of war. Join Tate Lecturer Val Woodgate to learn more.

Book here:
https://bit.ly/3W5AfnF

22/10/2026

Guildhall Library holds the collections of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and the Antiquarian Horological Society. These mostly relate to the British Isles, and international resources relating mainly to Switzerland and France.

These long-case clock dials date from 1690-95. From 'English Domestic Clocks' by Cescinksy, H. and Webster, M. R.

21/10/2026

Some remarkable examples of Elizabethan and Jacobean jewellery from the 'Catalogue of the Cheapside Hoard' published by the London Museum in 1928 💍

The Cheapside Hoard was discovered in the City of London in 1912. This book describes rings, chains, pendants, watches, gemstones and other objects, with discussion of their date, craftsmanship and historical significance.💍

20/10/2026

'Good Soups' by Ambrose Heath, 1935 contains some hearty recipes for this cooler Autumnal season. And some very nice book art too.

Ambrose Heath (1891-1969) was a journalist and food writer who wrote or translated over 100 books and wrote for newspapers such as the Times. Part of our extensive food and drink history collections 🍲🍷🍴

19/10/2026

Paddington Station opened in 1854 as the terminus for the Great Western Railway. Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the spectacular iron & glass train shed, influenced by the Crystal Palace of the Great Exhibition of 1851. At the time it was the largest in the world with a main span (102’ 6”) and two smaller ones to the north (70’) and south (68’). This old Ordnance Survey map is from 1874.

With upgrades during the 20th century and continuing improvements for modern demand today keeps this an iconic station.

16/10/2026

With the weekend getting closer, it's probably time for chocolate cake. Why not try recipes from our food & drink history book collections? One includes a Drs' recommendation to eat chocolate for health 😋

Cadburys Practical Recipes, 1950s.
Up-To-Date Cookery Book, 1935.

15/10/2026

ONLINE TICKETS AVAILABLE!

The Art and Scandalous Lives of the Bloomsbury Group

Tuesday 27th October - 2-3pm

The art of the three main ‘Bloomsbury’ artists (Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Roger Fry) cannot be separated from their astonishing lives. They, along with their literary and other intellectual companions (Virginia Woolf, Lytton Strachey and John Maynard Keynes, amongst others) were part of a group, the popular name for which became widely used only after the death of around half its members. Join Frank Woodgate, Arts Society Lecturer, to find out more.

The art of the three main ‘Bloomsbury’ artists cannot be separated from their astonishing lives.

14/10/2026

Yesterday a primary school group from Whitechapel came in to find out more about the Great Plague of 1665 and the ‘medicines’ that were tried. Senior Librarian Isabelle Chevallot showed some original materials and explained how the Plague affected London.

As a treat, the children were shown 'The World's Smallest English Dictionary', published circa 1890, complete with its original metal box.

13/10/2026

⭐️ New display! ⭐️

The River Thames is the theme shown through a selection of books about its historical and cultural significance, working lives, trade, leisure and literature.

12/10/2026

King’s Cross Station opened on 14 October 1852 as the terminus of the Great Northern Railway. Designed by Lewis Cubitt, it was the largest station in Britain at the time. With 2 passenger platforms, and 6 for storage and movement of locomotives. Passenger traffic increased dramatically in the 19th century, requiring extra lines and tunnels. The Ordnance Survey map shown is dated 1894.

It quickly became a significant transport hub into the 20th century but needed improvements. Significant investments since have turned the station into a destination that can meet modern demands.

Old Ordnance Survey map dated 1894, showing King's Cross station at the centre.