You can search all the catalogues of the boroughs within the LLC London Libraries Consortium using the online catalogue.
You could then place a reserve or if the consortium doesn't have it we could try to get it on our Inter Library loan system which would search nationwide.
You can also search all London libraries catalogues in the WILL (What's in London Libraries) project via the internet.
Research service
You can search all the catalogues of the boroughs within the LLC London Libraries Consortium using the online catalogue.
You could then place a reserve or if the consortium doesn't have it we could try to get it on our Inter Library loan system which would search nationwide.
You can also search all London libraries catalogues in the WILL (What's in London Libraries) project via the internet.
Community information
We can put you in touch with a wide variety of groups, clubs and organisations in Havering, whatever your hobby, interest or needs. We aim to hold information on all groups active locally.
Online Community Information database
Local Studies and Family History Centre
If you are interested in Havering's history, want to start tracing your family history, find an old newspaper report, information about your house or street in the past, a photograph or other illustration of Havering's buildings and historical events we may be able to help you.
Opening Times |
| Monday |
10am - 6pm |
| Tuesday |
1pm - 8pm |
| Wednesday |
Closed |
| Thursday |
9am - 1pm |
| Friday |
9am - 5pm |
| Saturday |
9am - 4pm |
| Sunday |
Closed |
CONTACT
Simon Donoghue, Local History Librarian,
London Borough of Havering,
Local Studies and Family History
Central Library,
St Edward's Way,
Romford
RM1 3AR
Telephone 01708 432392
e-mail Simon.Donoghue@havering.gov.uk
APPOINTMENTS AND BOOKING OF EQUIPMENT
A selection of books and journals about the history of Havering and Essex are available for browsing as are specialist titles for Family History. An appointment is required to carry out research requiring access to items not held in the Local Studies room. Free appointments are available for advice on starting family history, family history problems and help with online resources. Please contact us to discuss your requirements before visiting.
To use microfilm or microfiche please book the microfilm reader/printer.
Two computers with dedicated access to the internet for local studies and family history researchers are available. It is recommended that PCs are booked in advance, telephone 01708 432392 during opening hours to make a booking. A current Havering Libraries card or identification is required for access to the internet.
ENQUIRIES
Enquiries are accepted in person, by post, e-mail or telephone. Where copies are produced and/or a postal response made, a charge is made to cover costs.
FAMILY HISTORY
In addition to the services and facilities offered in Local Studies and Family History occasional talks and workshops are offered through the Borough's network of libraries. A Beginning your family history course with an emphasis on documents and resources available for tracing English and Welsh ancestors is offered on a regular basis. The course consists of 12 sessions each lasting 2 hours. There is a charge for this course. To receive updates about courses, talks and workshops, please e-mail Jane.Finnett@havering.gov.uk
Family History
Local Studies.
During the closure of the Central Library for refurbishment the following temporary arrangements are in place for local and family history.
Hornchurch Library
A representative collection of the key books relating to the history of the London Borough of Havering are available for consultation in the Reference Section of Hornchurch Library and for most general local history enquiries this will be the best starting point. Telephone 01708 434907.
In addition microfilm/microfiche of the following are available for consultation at Hornchurch Library.
Newspapers
- Essex Times (microfilm) 1866 - 1937
- Romford Times (microfilm) 1913-1968
- Hornchurch and Romford Express (microfilm) 1969-1979
- Romford Recorder (microfilm) 1934-1982 & 2001 -
- Hornchurch and Upminster News (microfilm) 1936-1965
- Hornchurch and Upminster Echo (microfilm) 1965-1974
- Havering Echo (microfilm) 1974-1980
Please book microfilm/fiche reader in advance
Census
Census records are held for the registration districts within the modern day London Borough of Havering 1901. 1891, 1881, 1871, 1861, 1851, 1841 (microfilm/fiche)
Parish Registers
The following are available on microfiche or microfilm. Dates are for earliest and latest. Coverage varies for individual ceremonies.
- Cranham, All Saints baptisms, marriages and burials mid C16th to mid C20th
- Havering-atte-Bower, St. John the Evangelist christenings, marriages, banns and burials mid C17th to early C20th
- Hornchurch, St. Andrews baptisms, marriages and burials mid C16th to late C19th.
- North Ockendon, St. Mary Magdalene baptisms, marriages and burials late C16th to early C19th
- Rainham, St. Helen & St. Giles baptisms, marriages banns and burials 1570 to mid C20th.
- Romford, Congregational Church, Bethel Chapel baptisms 1812-1837
- Romford, St. Edward the Confessor baptisms, banns, marriages and burials mid C16th to mid C19th.
- Romford, Wesleyan Chapel baptisms 1835-1837
- Upminster, Congregational Church, Upminster Hill Independent Chapel baptisms 1801-1837
- Upminster, St. Laurence baptisms, marriages and burials mid C16th to early C20th
- Wennington, St. Mary and St. Peter mid C17th to mid C20th
This library offers free access to Ancestry.com through the Peoples Network for library members (see below).
Upminster Library
This library offers free access to Ancestry.com through the Peoples Network for library members (see below). Tel: 01708 434933
Ancestry
If you are tracing your family tree you can now use ANCESTRY at Hornchurch and Upminster libraries. It's available on any of the People's Network machines there using your library card. Researching from home? Vouchers for use on and can be purchased from Romford, Hornchurch and Upminster libraries. A volunteer is at hand to help on Mondays 10.30-11.30am at Hornchurch Library and on Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm at Upminster Library.
Enquiry Service
Staff also have some access to other parts of the collection and a remote enquiry service is available.
Material includes:-
- Maps
- Illustrations
- Electoral registers – Romford Constituency 1938 and 1939 then from 1955, Hornchurch Constituency from 1945, Upminster Constituency from 1971 a more detailed list is available on application.
- Pamphlet collection
- Rate Books 1839 -1900 (mainly Romford area)
- Council Minutes – Romford Urban District Council 1900 – 1937, Romford Borough 1937-1965, Hornchurch Urban District Council 1938-1965
- Romford Recorder 1983 -2000
- Books including sale catalogues etc.
Please contact:
By post to
Simon Donoghue
Local Studies Librarian
c/o Rainham Library
7-11, The Broadway
Rainham RM13 7RD