Eleanor Rykener - Document viewing

The London Archives is a free public archive focusing on the history of London, from 1067 to the present day. We preserve and share millions of historical manuscripts, maps, photographs, books which tell the story of the city. You can find us in central London in Clerkenwell, close to Farringdon Station.It's free to visit and use the archives and many of our exhibitions and events are free to attend. The London Archives is funded and managed by the City of London Corporation. We reopened as The London Archives in August 2024 and were previously known as London Metropolitan Archives.Find us in leafy Clerkenwell, close to Farringdon and Angel tubes, where we look after a vast and unique collection of manuscripts, maps, photos, books and films that tell the story of London, right back to 1067. If you haven't visited an archive before, we're a bit like a library or museum, but with millions of unique historical documents waiting to be explored; you choose what we want to see and we put the history of London in your hands.  Not everyone has time to research though, so our exhibitions and events program delves into the archives and presents the fascinating history of the capital for you to enjoy. We're  open to everyone, whether you’re visiting an exhibition, joining a history talk or tracing your family history.  Browse our program and start discovering London's history today.

The London Archives

Drop in for a chance to see the oldest document (1395) in London Metropolitan Archives collection that speaks directly to LGBTQ+ history...

London Metropolitan Archives

The Questioning of Eleanor Rykener (1395) is the oldest document in London Metropolitan Archives collection that speaks directly to LGBTQ+ history. It records Rykener’s questioning by the Mayor and Alderman of the City of London. A complex story emerged. Rykener had lived as both Eleanor and John. Eleanor was an embroideress and sex worker whose clients’ included members of the church and gentry. Come along to see this remarkable document and selection of others that give us a glimpse of their life and times. This is a drop in session so come along for or as little or as long as you like between 12:30-14:00. There will be a 15minute talk introducing the documents on display at 12:45 and 13:30.* ** if the ticket price is a barrier to you coming to this event please let us know and we will gladly offer you a complimentry ticket***

Display: Spotlight on The Africa Centre

Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924  - Exhibition

Starting Your Research at The London Archives (April-June)

Behind the Scenes at The London Archives (April- June)

Skills Training in Archival Research (STAR) Workshop

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

Eleanor Rykener - Document viewing

More events from The London Archives

Discover more events from The London Archives, from Community to other experiences you might love.

Display: Spotlight on The Africa Centre

Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924 - Exhibition

Starting Your Research at The London Archives (April-June)

Behind the Scenes at The London Archives (April- June)

Skills Training in Archival Research (STAR) Workshop

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in London and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

Eleanor Rykener - Document viewing

More events from The London Archives

Discover more events from The London Archives, from Community to other experiences you might love.

Display: Spotlight on The Africa Centre

Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924 - Exhibition

Starting Your Research at The London Archives (April-June)

Behind the Scenes at The London Archives (April- June)

Skills Training in Archival Research (STAR) Workshop

You might also like...

Browse more events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in London and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.