Company Archives

The Goldsmiths’ Company has a large collection of archives which comprise bound volumes of minutes; apprentice and freedom books; accounts; rentals; charity records; property books and maps; and collections of unbound paper records.  The volumes of minutes begin in 1334 and the majority of the unbound paper records date from the 18th century.

Content

The archives include information on the Goldsmiths’ Company’s internal administration; its Assay Office (and hallmarking in the UK); its numerous charities; its property holdings in the City of London, Acton, and Derry (formerly Londonderry) as part of the Ulster Plantation; the early beginnings of Goldsmiths’ College (formerly the New Cross Technical & Recreative Institute); and the setting up of the City & Guilds organisation.

How can I find information in the archives?

Susan Hare, the former Librarian, wrote an article on the records for ARCHIVES in October 1984 which explains in greater detail the narrative of record keeping within the Company.

A full listing is available under Goldsmiths’ Company on the AIM25 website.

The library staff can offer informed advice on enquiries on the content of the archives by telephone, email or letter.