The new City of London Heritage Gallery opened to the public on Friday 12 September 2014. Open daily, admission is free to this permanent, purpose-built exhibition space located at Guildhall Art Gallery in the heart of the City which will showcase a rotating selection of documents from the extensive archives of the City of London Corporation. These are rarely on public display and so this gallery provides a unique opportunity to view up close objects that tell London’s story.
Headlining the opening display was the City’s 1297 copy of Magna Carta, the finest surviving 13th century copy which reflects the City of London’s central role in implementing the charter. Also displayed were two 15th century portraits of aldermen, the most powerful figures in City governance. Future exhibits will feature gems including Shakespeare’s purchase deed for a house in Blackfriars (1613) which carries one of only six known examples of his signature. The City of London’s archives are looked after by London Metropolitan Archives.