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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 21h

A researcher interested in medieval glazing and lead production recently looked at this book of 15th-century window pane designs for glaziers to follow in their work - 'Booke of Sundry Draughtes: Principaly serving for Glaziers...' (1615) Some complex and modern-looking designs⚡️

Design for a single pane of glass, repeated pattern of interlocking squares creating a pattern of hexagons and stars.

Design for a single window divided into 4 panes. Linear pattern in each, rows of small squares and elongated sections.

Design for a single pane of glass, repeated pattern of squares and circles.

Design for a single pane of glass creating a repeated pattern of 6 and a half flowerheads.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

A lovely recent discovery - 'Trip on the Thames' (1873) depicting an idyllic cruise along the river. ⛵️ Likely published as a souvenir book, the illustrations were painted in oil. By J. Nelson & Sons Ltd.

Illustration of view of Richmond 1873. A sailboat and rowing boat are on the Thames. Figures on the bank.

Illustration of view of Kew and Brentford 1873. Barges are on the Thames. Figures on the bank.

Illustration of view of Chiswick 1873. Barges and sailboats on the Thames.

Illustration of view of the Houses of Parliament across the Thames. Barges and sailboats on the river. 1873.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

As Euston Station is undergoing redevelopment to meet modern demands, this map shows the station in 1913 🚂 From the old Ordnance Survey Maps range showing the Euston & Regent's Park area.

Map showing Euston Station in 1913. Ordnance Survey.

Map showing Regent's Park in 1913. Ordnance Survey.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

'Fashion & Folly. Or the Buck's Pilgrimage', written & illustrated by William Heath in 1822, follows the adventures of Lubin with his friend Dashall who leave the countryside to experience the highs & lows of London. However, their antics result in a visit from a bailiff & then being sent to prison.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A section of the District Railway County Map showing south-west London and beyond. Victorian Londoners were quite well served! 🚂 From 'The District Railway Guide to London' Published in 1888 by City-based printers Alfred Boot & Son Ltd.

Section of the District Railway County map from 1888.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The authors & artists of this beautiful book 'Modes et costumes historiques...' (1864) were trying to establish authenticity, rather than creating fantasy costumes. While 19th-century scholars & artists reconstructed historical fashions, it is not reliable evidence that people dressed that way. 👗

Image of lady in French Historical Costume circa 1460 with headdress.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The curtain has closed on another successful Open House day on Saturday. Thank you for coming!⭐ We had many new visitors viewing an exhibition & display of books showing a journey through time from Norman architecture through to Brutalism, exploring the stories behind London's development.

Collage of 18th/19th London architecture, with the grand Drury Lane theatre interior in colour.

Visitors viewing a display in Guildhall Library

Display of materials displaying materials on the neo-classicism period, 1750-1850.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

We are open today!! Open House 2026 Drop in event - 1-4pm Anyone interested in London's architectural history should visit Guildhall Library where an extensive exhibition & display of books & images will take you on a journey through time from Norman architecture through to Brutalism #opencity

Collage of 17th/18th century London architecture.

Collage of 18th/19th century London architecture

Collage of 20th century London architecture

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Book your place on Eventbrite here: bit.ly/4xdDtCn

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Open House 2026 🏦 Saturday 19th September Drop in event - 1-4pm ⭐️ Anyone interested in discovering more about London's architectural history should visit Guildhall Library where there will be an exhibition & display of books & images. #opencity Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drop-in-ev...

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

If you think sticky notes are a modern era invention.... this one dates from the 1560s! Found today in a Worshipful Company of Vintners accounts book. The Vintners received its first Royal Charter in 1363 and managed the import, regulation & sale of wine. Today it supports many causes.

Image shows a small oblong piece of paper attached at the centrefold of a handwritten accounts book. 1560s.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

As railways seem to be a popular subject, here's a 1910 map of the London Underground. Part of a pocket-sized pamphlet 'London: what to see & how to see it. The Excursionists' Guide with Map' 🗺️ If there are any requests for historic maps of particular areas in and around London, let us know!

A 1910 map of the London Underground with 'Underground' and 'London Railways' in capitals at the top.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

An Iris Aphylla from Curtis Botanical Magazine 1804-05. 🌺 The Library of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners has been housed at Guildhall Library since 1891 & contains over 500 vols. Also vols from our own London history collections, celebrating the history of gardening. Visit us to discover more.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

‘News from Bartholomew Fair, or The World’s Mad’ (166-) (PAM 4834) is a satirical work about the ‘vanities and fooleries of this present age’ at Bartholomew Fair. This fair lasted a fortnight in West Smithfield in late summer. Established in 1133 and suppressed in 1855 as a nuisance. 🎪

Title page of ‘News from Bartholomew Fair, or The World’s Mad’ (166-) (PAM 4834) Shows a vignette of Jacob Hall, a famous rope dancer of the time.

First page of the pamphlet ‘News from Bartholomew Fair, or The World’s Mad’ (166-) (PAM 4834) with an ornate floral decoration at the top.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The Victorians were great at railways and maps. 🚂 These show some central London lines from 'The District Railway Guide to London'. Published in 1888 by City-based printers Alfred Boot & Son Ltd.

Map showing train lines around Battersea and Clapham Junction. 1888.

Map showing trainlines around Holborn, Whitechapel and Southwark. Shows London Bridge and Waterloo stations. 1888.

Map showing train lines around Hyde Park. 1888.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

The idea of being on a summer cruise right now is very appealing! These stylish Cunard menu cards are from 1939, part of the Newall Dunn collection - one of the world’s most comprehensive photographic & ephemera resources for Merchant Shipping, covering about 1880 to the turn of the 21st century.

Menu card cover showing the front or bow of a ship. A chain, netting and ropes are shown either side. The sea is below and the Cunard trademark in the bottom right corner. (1939)

Menu card cover showing an exotic fish swimming past a single vertical strand of seaweed. The Cunard trademark is in the bottom right corner.

Menu card cover showing 3 seagulls flying in a row in front of clouds. The Cunard trademark is in the bottom left corner. A black stripe runs across above this. Blue and gold radiating stripes come from the mid left of the frame. (1939)

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Open House 2026 🏦 Sat 19th September Drop in event - 1-4pm Anyone interested in discovering more about London's architectural history should visit Guildhall Library where an exhibition & display of books & images will take you on a journey from Norman architecture through to Brutalism. #opencity

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

💫 🌔🌘🌑🌒🌔💫 An eclipse is a rare and stunning celestial event that has fascinated people throughout time. These diagrams depict the occurrence beautifully over London on 14th July 1748 - 'The cause of eclipses and the motion of the earth delineated', an engraving from Universal magazine of the time.

Diagram depicting the sun with the moon's shadow passing over, 1748. An eclipse happened over London on July 14th 1748.

Fig 2 diagram depicting the sun with the moon's rotational path around it. 1748. Figure 3 shows the alignment of the planets and the sun.

Panoramic view of London in 1748 with animals grazing near St. Paul's Cathedral. 3 diagrams above explain the occurrence of the eclipse.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

What a difference 188 years makes... This 25-mile radius map around the capital is from ‘A New Pocket Guide to London and Its Environs’ (1838) by John H. Brady. Including ‘descriptions, from personal knowledge, of everything worth seeing or knowing within twenty-five miles of the metropolis’.

Black & white map showing a 25-mile radius around London. County boundaries are marked in yellow, green and pink.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

On Friday Senior Librarian Isabelle Chevallot gave a talk at the London Centre about the Great Fire of London of 1666 and how this major event affected the development of London. A display of original source materials from our collections was shown.

Senior Librarian Isabelle Chevallot giving a talk at the London Centre about the 1666 Great Fire of London with a display of original materials in the foreground.

Woodblock print of 3 dragons and a lion. From renowned 17th century astrologer William Lilly's 'Monarchy or No Monarchy in England' 1651.

View of London burning across the Thames. From renowned 17th century astrologer William Lilly's 'Monarchy or No Monarchy in England' 1651.

Various scenes showing figures allegedly behind the Great Fire of London. 'Pyrotechnica Loyolana: Ignatian Fire-works...' 1667. Anonymous.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

🌟 Welcome to Guildhall Library's new event brochure for Sept-Dec 2026! 🌟 Book through Eventbrite here: bit.ly/4wKuN7d

Cover of Guildhall Library's Sep-Dec 2026 events brochure. Main image a view of Somerset House in 1700s; a detail of a stained glass image of an angel; and a portrait of Dr Nicolas Barbon who created the first fire insurance.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

There are a 1000 more of these! A burst of high Victorian colour and style from 'One Thousand and One Initial Letters' (1864) by Owen Jones, recently discovered in our stores. Jones was an influential British architect, designer and colour theorist. Come and see stunning works such as this IRL! ✨

Ornate capital A in red & gold with blue foliage wrapping around the letter.

Full page of variations of ornate capital A's in high Victorian colour & style.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

A reader recently requested materials from the Parish Clerks Company from the 1600s, including these meeting minutes. The parish clerks were originally responsible for assisting with worship & keeping church records in parishes. Now they support churches, parish history, charities & the Lord Mayor.

Page from a Parish Clerk Company minutes book. Names of the attendees are in the left hand column.

Spines of 1600s minutes books and Bills of Mortality that recorded deaths and their causes in London parishes.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

This definitely deserves its own post. But in the meantime here are some of these wonderful images from Stephen Batman in the complete works of Chaucer. If you'd like to see it in person do get in touch. Will be having it out at tomorrow's history and treasures talk.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The number of items consulted in our reading room for June was up to 1832 in June, up from 1024 in June last year! We are so pleased that more people are coming in to use our amazing collections! Reminder that as a public library our collections are availble to everyone! No membership required!

A stack of 17th and 18th century books with decorative spines in front of rolling stacks in our stores.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Last week we hosted an evening Collections Focus talk ‘Our Relationship with London’s Neoclassical Architecture’ by Senior Librarian Isabelle Chevallot. Books were shown with plans & images of the work of prominent Neoclassical architects. Visit us to learn about London’s architectural history! 🏛️

The Mansion House from the Poultry from ‘Picturesque tour through…London and Westminster….’ by Thomas Malton, 1792

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

As temperatures in London soar we'd like to invite you all to the visit the library which is lovely and air conditioned. Feel free to drop in to use our computers, have a quiet sit down, study or even look at some of the wonderful items in our collections. Free and open to all!

Image of three suns setting fire to books from the German edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle. Representing what would happen today if we didn't keep our books in the temperature controlled stores.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

It’s getting hotter! 🌞 How about a refreshing cordial mint water? This 1736 recipe includes a healthy amount of Claret and numerous ingredients and processes. From ‘The Compleat City and Country Cook….’ Would you try making this at home? Tell us about your own homemade drink recipes.

A 1736 recipe for a cordial mint water with elaborate ingredients from 'A Compleat City and Country Cook...' by Charles Carter.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Celebrate Pride month with us! Come and see our display of important and fascinating books on the history of LGBTQ+ Londoners. From suppressed history to Celebration, activism, and community voices. They remind us that the city’s history is incomplete without these voices. 🏳️‍🌈

Display of books on 4 shelves on the theme of LGBTQ+ history. A Pride sign is at the top of the display.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Map of the City and West Central London in 1929 from the Greiben-Verlag travel guide ‘London und Umgebung, mit Insel Wight’ (London and Surroundings, with the Isle of Wight) Informative and pocket-sized for the keen traveller. 🗺️

1929 map of the City and West London in ‘London und Umgebung, mit Insel Wight’ (London and Surroundings, with the Isle of Wight)

Yellow and black cover of ‘London und Umgebung, mit Insel Wight’ (London and Surroundings, with the Isle of Wight) 1929.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

‘Illustrations of the New Palace at Westminster’ (1849) by classical architect Charles Barry (1795-1860) Fine large scales plates of the Houses of Parliament showing views, plan drawings and details of this London landmark. Part of the London Festival of Architecture exhibition on 12th June. 🏦

South East view of the Houses of Parliament (1849) by Charles Barry & Augustus Pugin. From the Thames and showing boats & passengers.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It's the perfect time of year to be exploring London. 'Touring London' (1930) is a 'little book of friendly guidance' for visitors keen to see the sights. It's nice to think this was carried around by the owner enjoying a day out almost 100 years ago.🚇

Illustration of St Bride's Church, Fleet Street with text wrapped around the left. By Sir Andrew T. Taylor.

Photo of Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column, 1930.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

London Festival of Architecture 12th June 2026 - 1 PM - 4 PM Our Relationship with London’s Historical Architecture. Drop-in event A drop-in exhibition displaying Guildhall Library's Architecture Treasures exploring London's historical heritage from Norman times to Brutalism. 🏛️ bit.ly/4drBW56

The Tower of London by Thomas Rowlandson c.1808.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Crystal Palace lives rent free in our minds. The photographs are taken from 'Crystal Palace and district' which possibly published in 1900. The structure was built for the Great Exhibition in 1851, but moved to Sydenham Hill in 1854. Crystal Palace was later destroyed by a fire in 1936. See less

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Greenwich became a popular 18th-century resort and, with sites like Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory, remains a draw for locals and tourists. Below are illustrations from James Sansom's 1808 'Greenwich: a poem' depicting iconic views: Greenwich Park, the Royal Hospital and Lord Dacre's seat.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Why not escape the heat by visitor our new broadside exhibition? Learn all about how news, gossip, law announcements, satire, and song spread across London. But more importantly, the library has air conditioning, so you can cool off while you learn.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Today in London it's a scorching 34°C 🫠 Unfortunately, the bank holiday weekend is over and we can no longer escape to the seaside and cool off in the sea, unlike 'Mama' in the illustrations below (shelf mark: PAM 16407).

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Judy, or the London Serio-Comic Journal’ (1st May 1867) was a satirical Victorian publication full of caricatures & cartoons poking fun at society. These show absurd scenes of stylish people struggling with the effects of a hairdressers’ strike & a daring young dandy's encounter with a cuttlefish.

Shows a crowd of fashionable people with great masses of overgrown hair as a result of a tailors and hairdressers' strike.

Shows a fashionable young Victorian dandy on a beach who prods a cuttlefish, which retaliates by squirting ink all over him.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

How to make committee minutes look stylish - some vivid marbling details of the John Bankes Charity Committee Minutes 1962-1980 of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. The combed marbling is achieved by dragging a comb through oil-based paints floating on water, onto which the paper was laid.

Detail showing the marbled paper, lettered pages and the marbled effect on the fore edge of 'John Bankes Charity Committee Minutes 1962-1980'

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

🌟New exhibition!🌟 5th May until 29th October 2026 Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm BROADSIDES: SPEAKING TO THE PEOPLE 📯 This exhibition explores the history of broadsides and how they were used to speak to the general public, high and low alike.

The Marshall's humble offering to each gentleman soldier... (BSIDE 25.9) London 1760.

Polly Oliver's Rambles (BSIDE 20.133) London 1823. Depiction of fine horse and carriage.

Volunteers for the Royal Navy (BSIDE 21.79) London 1796.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Drury Lane Theatre opened #onthisday in 1663 and the current building was built 1812. A Grade 1 listed building in Covent Garden hosting plays ever since. Interior view is from Rudolph Ackerman's 'Microcosm of London' 1808-11 (AN 20.1.5).

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

'Holidays at Home in Saint Pancras' published in 1944 (PAM 3355) was a wartime guide for public events such as fairs, markets, concerts and public services such as libraries for the public to enjoy

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

⭐️New exhibition!⭐️ Opens today! 5th May until 29th October 2026 Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm BROADSIDES: SPEAKING TO THE PEOPLE 📯 This exhibition explores the history of broadsides and how they were used to speak to the general public, high and low alike.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

🚨 Last chance! Today is the final day of our 600th anniversary exhibition 🚨 You can still visit us between 10am and 4pm to catch it before it closes. Thank you to everyone who has visited Guildhall Library so far—we’ve loved welcoming you!

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

It always interesting to see how London has changed (and stayed the same). These images are from 'The History and Antiquities of Stoke Newington' (1820) show maps, landmarks like the river and original Rose & Crown inn, and portraits of notable locals, including Daniel Defo (SL 95:8).

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Our May-August events start next week 📆👀 To see our full programme you can visit Guildhall Library's Eventbrite page at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/guildhall-... Or pick a brochure from the library 📖

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Guildhall Library will be closed Monday 4th May for the bank holiday. Normal opening hours will resume Tuesday 5th Mary

Coloured photograph of the entry to Guildhall Library.

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Guildhall Library @guildhalllibrary.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

With carpets of bluebells all around, this guide 'British Wild Flowers', 1894, by J. E. Sowerby (GC 1.6) might be useful for identifying different varieties. 🌿

Coloured illustrations of bluebell varieties by J E Sowerby, 1894.

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