LAUF Conference 2005
26th November 2005 at University College London
London’s Underground - The world beneath our feet
We all grumble at holes in the ground left by the utilities companies, but
this is nothing new. For centuries our streets have been dug up for pipes
and pavements to be laid and maintained. The results have transformed our
lives in the home and on the streets, and even how we travel.
It may seem an unusual topic for the London Archive Users’ Forum (LAUF) to
tackle, but there are some fascinating records and wonderful stories to be
told. This year’s panel of speakers will explore some of the resources
available and share their research into this little known aspect of London’s
history.
We are particularly lucky to have as our keynote speaker the BBC Arts
Correspondent Stephen Smith, who wrote Underground London: Travels beneath
the City Streets, which is an entertaining (and bestselling) guide to what
has gone beneath our feet over the centuries.
Speakers include:
Stephen Smith (BBC and author Underground London: Travels beneath the City
Streets) Researching and writing Underground London
Mike Chrimes (Institution of Civil Engineers) Underground London: the hidden
treasures of the Institution of Civil Engineers
Elaine A. Reynolds (Professor of History, William Jewell College) Paving and
Public Order in 18th century London
Mari Takayanagi (Archivist at the House of Lords Record Office) Making
tracks to the Parliamentary Archives
Robin Woolven (London at War Study Group ) London Utilities under Stress
1939-1945
The conference takes place on Saturday 26th November (10am-4pm) at the
Courtauld Lecture Theatre, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E
6BT. Cost: £25 (£20 members) includes buffet lunch and refreshments.
Please send cheques (made payable to the LONDON ARCHIVE USERS’ FORUM) to
Robin Woolven, Top House, Campden Lane, Willersey, Broadway, Worcs WR12 7PG,
tel. (01386) 852211, email [log in to unmask] Please enclose an
SAE for a receipt.
This will be LAUF’s last conference: towards the end of this year LAUF will
wind itself up and hand over the representation of London’s archive users to
the Users’ Section of Archives for London, a new charitable body which
brings together users, archivists, conservators and all sectors of the
research community. For details of AfL please contact Nicola Avery,
Membership Secretary, AfL, London Metropolitan Archives 40 Northampton Road
EC1R 0HB, [log in to unmask]
Also look out for LAUF’s final publication, ‘Researching London’s houses: an
archives guide’, by Colin Thom, to be published in association with
Historical Publications Ltd in early November, at £13.95.
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