About Thamesmead Community Archive

There are ambitious plans for Thamesmead but it is important to remember the past and how it has shaped the area. The Thamesmead Community Archive holds hundreds of items from the past of the area, including photos, videos, posters, brochures, architects’ drawings, documents and audio interviews spanning more than five decades.

Abbey Way Play Area

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This material has been collected from local residents past and present, Bexley Local Studies and Archive, London Metropolitan Archive, the British Library, the RIBA archive, housing associations and local authorities. 

View over Southmere

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The archive holds over 2,000 items and is growing. Some of these items are on this website and we are continually adding new material to the site, increasing its collections and producing curated stories and projects that support access to the material we hold. 

Boys play in Southmere Lake

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The Thamesmead Community Archive is a long term resource that will continue to grow over the years. We hope more residents will continue to contribute to it and get involved in supporting the archive to grow and develop. Thamesmead’s story is always evolving and documenting present-day activities, especially during periods of change, are vital to capture and preserve.

Yarnton Way 2018

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