Sutton Archives is the local authority archive service of the London Borough of Sutton. We are based on the top floor of Sutton Central Library, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA, UK.
PLEASE NOTE: The Local Studies and Archives searchroom operates an appointment only service. Full details, and information about how to book can be seen here.
Among our collections and archives are records that you can use to research anything from local history, house history & your family tree.
The local studies collection: encompasses a variety of different resources – printed books, photographs, maps, newspapers and pamphlets. These resources relate particularly to the past, present and future life of this borough and more generally to Surrey and Greater London (especially south of the Thames). We have especially strong collections of material relating to Croydon Airport and the River Wandle.
The borough’s archives: These are kept separately from the local studies collection and comprise primary source material relating almost exclusively to this borough. The main exception to this rule are records of the Wallington (previously Croydon) Magistrates Court. Again, material is held in a variety of different formats – paper, parchment, film and video. Because archives are, by their very nature, unique, readers are asked to observe a number of guidelines designed to protect this material.
You may need to produce proof of identification (e.g. library ticket, driving licence, CARN ticket etc) before using some material. Whilst we try to have as much material as possible readily available for consultation at least 24 hours notice is required before we can produce archives and hard copy of reports to council and council minutes prior to 1965.
You can search our archive catalogue and newspaper index online. Not all of our archive collection is catalogued so please telephone us if there is anything you can’t find. We are happy to try and connect you with the sources you need, but we do not currently offer a public research service, so in most cases you will need to arrange an appointment to view the records yourself.
Not all of the local studies collection appears on the Library’s computerised catalogue. Instead, separate catalogues and indexes exist for some books and larger pamphlets. These can be found in the Local Studies & Archives Centre along with place, person and subject indexes to the archive catalogues.
A large proportion of our archive catalogues can also be accessed via The National Archives.
Contact:
General enquiries can be emailed to local.studies@sutton.gov.uk
The Archives and Family History Centre is managed by Abby Matthews who can be contacted directly via email at abby.matthews@sutton.gov.uk.
Opening Times: Thursdays 10 am-6.30pm by appointment
Fridays 9.30am-12.30pm by appointment for viewing of Electoral Registers only.
The first Saturday of every month 10am-12pm
Please note: for general reference material relating to local history we also offer a dedicated open access Family History centre, open to the general public during normal library opening hours. The centre provides access to maps, photographs, directories and a wealth of other records. Objects and images from the Archive and Museum collections are on display.
Free access to Ancestry, Find my Past, The British Newspaper Archive and other online resources is available at all Sutton’s libraries and heritage sites. Log in via our public PCs or connect your own device to our free WIFI to use these research tools.
Need help with your research?
Please give us a call with your enquiry. We can offer some advice via the telephone or via email or you can make an appointment to come in and speak to one of our staff or volunteers.
You can also follow us on Twitter @SuttonArchives or on Instagram @SuttonHeritage
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