Eight-hundred year old documents tracing Enfield’s fascinating history are well preserved and protected for future generations by the Council says the National Archive.
Enfield Local Studies Library & Archive has been awarded full Accredited Archive Service status by the National Archives for the first time meaning it meets national standards in the care of its unique collections and the service offered to users.
There are now more than 150 accredited archive services in the U.K including the Bank of England, the National Gallery and Historic England Archives.
Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ian Barnes, said: “The accreditation is the quality standard for all areas of archive service delivery, defining good practice and agreed standards. Enfield’s small but hard-working team, which includes volunteers, works tirelessly to not only preserve items and documents but to record the stories of our residents. These will be enjoyed for years to come.”
The Local Studies Library & Archive is based at The Dugdale Centre. They identify, acquire and preserve materials that document the history of Enfield. They have a unique collection of historical documents dating back to the thirteenth century as well as an online catalogue and information on local history trails and walks. Four computers are also available, offering free access to research online and genealogy websites.

This year, the service is offering a number of exciting private tours to showcase their collection. The dates and booking details can be found on the Dugdale Centre’s website, as well as further information on how to make an appointment to visit the team.
Their most recent exhibition is When Peace Broke Out! a small collection of photographs and images, portraying life and events in Enfield at the end of the Second World War. The exhibition on the first floor of the Dugdale Centre is free.