The London Topographical Society, is a registered charity (no 271590) founded in 1880. It concentrates exclusively on publishing books and sheet material illustrating the history, growth and topography of London. For more than a century the Society has remained true to the vision of its founders by making available maps, plans and views, and by publishing research, to assist the study and appreciation of London.

The Society has about 1,100 members spread throughout the world. As well as individuals, the membership includes over 100 universities, libraries and other institutions. All those interested in the history and topography of London are invited to join.

Anyone can buy our publications, but there is a discount for members. Publications include

• six A-Zs of historic London
• a wide range of maps, plans and views including the romantic Rhinebeck panorama and Charles Booth's map of London poverty
• books and monographs
• the London Topographical Record, a five-yearly collection of scholarly papers.

This website includes information about current and future events (exhibitions, lectures, etc) related to London history and topography, and other sources of information (museums, libraries, bookshops, etc).

Several of the Society's publications are of particular interest to genealogists. These include the series of A-Z books, which allow researchers to identify streets, courts and alleys, and sometimes even individual houses. This is particularly useful where ancestors' addresses have subsequently been swept away or renamed. Other key resources are the two parish boundary maps - one covering the City of London and another for the much fuller extent of the County of London - and Booth's poverty map.

Membership costs £18 (for UK members paying by standing order) and covers

• the annual publication
• two newsletters
• 25% discount on past publications
• a fun-packed and popular annual general meeting

Please send correspondence to the secretary Patrick Frazer at 36 Old Deer Park Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2TL, UK; email: patfrazer@yahoo.co.uk.

The Society is run entirely by volunteers, who have many other calls on their time. As a result, we cannot promise a particularly speedy response to membership applications or publications orders. However, you should hear from us within four weeks. Similarly, we may not be able to respond to questions which do not directly concern membership or publications.