An established FamilySearch Affiliate Library with our own unique collection of archival materials and publications, we offer a fantastic, friendly space for exploring your family history. Delve into the past in the company of fellow genealogists and with our expert staff on hand to provide advice and guidance.
You don’t have to be a member to visit us but it does offer the best value for money and come with a host of benefits! Visitors’ passes can be purchased from Reception for £20, or you can join as Gold Member for £15.99 p/m (and cancel anytime).
Explore your family history in the company of fellow genealogists and expert staff at the SoG. We have nearly 40,000 items on the open library shelves and computers with access to Ancestry, FamilySearch, Find My Past, The British Newspaper Archive, The Genealogist, and more.
Visiting is free to all members (£20 for non-members). Non-members, please bring your photo ID on your first visit. You are welcome to visit any time without booking, but if you would like to reserve a computer or desk space for your visit, please use our Visit Booking & Collections Request form.
If a collection item you are interested in is held in our offsite storage, please use the form above to request it at least one week prior to your visit. We will contact you before your visit to confirm that your items have arrived.
We look forward to giving you a warm, friendly welcome and supporting you in your research.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone before you visit us, please do not hesitate to drop us an email hello@sog.org.uk or give us a call +44 (020) 7251 8799
See inside Wharf Road with a Quick Welcome video with Natalie and Rebecca. Or dive in for an In-Depth Tour with Else Churchill.
National Rail
Our nearest national rail station is King’s Cross St. Pancras. From here, you can either get on the Northern Line, southbound to Angel, or take the 205/214 bus to Windsor Terrace.
Underground
Angel and Old Street stations are both a 10-15 minute walk from our premises. Alternatively, you can get the 214/205/394/43 bus from Angel or the 205/214/43 bus from Old Street. Get off at Windsor Terrace.
Bus
Our nearest bus stop is Windsor Terrace for the 43/205/214/394. It is then a 5-minute walk to the premises.
Walking
From Old Street tube station (nearest): use exit 4, follow the green stripe on the pavement which brings you up to Moorfields Eye Hospital. Then continue along City Road passing Cayton Street, Bath Street and Mora Street (by Royal Star pub). Then, after passing Dingley Road on your left use the pedestrian crossing. Now resume the same direction along City Road. After passing Thoresby Street on your right you’ll see Texaco and McDonalds. After which, Wharf Road is a right turn before a high-rise block (Canaletto Tower). Follow Wharf Road until you see a gated archway (with 3 mounted clocks) to your right. Immediately after this is the SoG – indicated by purple flags and a ‘Wharf 2 Studios’ sign.
Please ring the doorbell to the right of the front entrance for our reception to let you in.
From Angel tube station: exit onto Islington High Street and turn left. After a brief walk you reach a crossroads with The Angel pub opposite on the right. Turn left into City Road. Passing Torrents Street, Colebrook Row, etc., on your left. After about 5 minutes’ walk you will pass under a green sign (near Fitness First) pointing straight on for ‘Ring road’ and ‘Shoreditch A501’. Continue straight on – passing Nelson Terrace, Oakley Crescent, Remmington Street and Haverstock Street on the left. Further along you reach a crossroads (with Graham Street on the left). Across it looms a tall, modern-looking block (Canaletto Tower). Immediately after this turn left into Wharf Road. Follow Wharf Road until you see a gated archway (with 3 mounted clocks) to your right. Immediately after this is the SoG – indicated by purple flags and a ‘Wharf 2′.
Please ring the doorbell to the right of the front entrance for our reception to let you in.
From August, the SoG will open later on the first Thursday of each month – closing 7pm. The library will be open one Saturday each month, the Saturday following the late opening.
Thursday Late Opening:
6 Aug • 3 Sep • 1 Oct • 5 Nov • 3 Dec
Saturday Open Days:
8 Aug • 5 Sep • 3 Oct • 7 Nov • 5 Dec
* Wednesday and Friday opening hours will remain unchanged. On-site events and seasonal activities will be in addition to these days.
Saturday Open Days:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:30am – 4:00pm
Thursday: 10:30am – 4:00 / 7:00pm*
Friday: 10:30am – 4:00pm
1st Saturday* of the month: 10:30am – 4:00pm
* Late Opening Thursdays and Open Saturdays will occasionally take place in the second week of the month. Please check ahead when booking.
Saturday Open Days:
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