Social History

The history of tea in Britain is deeply entwined with colonial histories of sugar and the East India Co.

Explore London’s medieval shell relics, symbolising the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage’s lasting allure

Two hundred years of policing London

Our collection highlights powerful stories of refugees seeking sanctuary in London while facing challenges

A 17th-century Jewish broker in London brings together objects from the collections of two museums in the most fascinating way

These 10 records reflect the strong crossovers between dub and London as a centre of music production

The changing face of law and order

15 objects from our collections, each showing that London is, and has always been, open to the wider world

Resourceful and heroic – how incarcerated Suffragettes used toilet paper

Pankurst’s leadership of the militant votes-for-women campaign made her a feminist hero

The journey of Caribbean languages to MLE

Held in the struggling post-war years, these frugal Games were celebrated as a harmonious success

Three Londoners share personal stories linked to East End artefacts

Here’s how we’re missing a crucial piece of the life in London’s docklands

On the one day of the year that the museum is closed, follow a tranquil path through the city's streets.

From behind the walls of HMP Pentonville, these men share their views of post-WWII London and their experiences as Londoners

Levant café brings the traditional Syrian ice cream to London, creating a space that gives one a sense of home and identity

We delve into our collections to find historical evidence of cats living in London