The story of the world's oldest communications company, dating back to the dawn of telecommunications technology. Over 170 years of using the power of communications to make a better world.
BT Archives has been accredited by The National Archives as meeting national archives standards, and our collections are acknowledged by UNESCO and Arts Council England as being internationally significant and an important part of the UK’s cultural and scientific heritage.
BT Archives has been in a purpose-built repository in Holborn Telephone Exchange since July 1997.
Our public search room is open on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10.00am - 4.00pm (except for public holidays and at other times listed on this page). Visits are by appointment only and can be arranged by emailing archives@bt.com.
If you haven’t visited before, please bring photographic identification, such as a passport or driving licence, and separate proof of address.
Note that we can’t do any research on your behalf.
Coronavirus - following UK government and current BT guidance our public search room remains closed until further notice.
British Rail: City Thameslink (Holborn Viaduct entrance)
Underground: Holborn (Piccadilly and Central Lines), Chancery Lane(Central line) or Farringdon (Circle or District Lines)
Bus routes: (High Holborn) 8, 242, 25, 501, 521 (Holborn Kingsway) 1, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 501, 505, 521, X68
By car: NCP Car Parks at: Holborn, Museum St WC1; Brunswick Square WC1; Russell Court, Woburn Place WC1; Caxton House, Cowcross St, EC1; Cardinal House, Cowcross St, EC1; Bloomsbury Square Car Park, WC1
