Speaking archives! Sound recordings from our holdings.

Catalogue links

Click on the links below to find catalogue descriptions of various types of sound recording in our holdings. There are links to edited highlights further down the page.

Interviews and reminiscences
Speeches and discussions
Training
Music and drama
Diaries
Broadcasts
Ceremonies

Most of the recordings are on vunerable formats such as cassette tapes.

In 2011 we began the long process of digitising them in order to preserve them and make them more accessible.

You can listen to the digitised recordings direct from the catalogue.

Highlights

A veteran Trotskyist remembers: interviews with Harry Wicks

A stalwart of the left recalls his Battersea childhood, the General Strike, his experiences in the Soviet Union and with Trotsky in Copenhagen.

The Minister speaks: the diaries of Richard Crossman

Tales of strife and exhiliration in government, musings on the universe and a meeting with influential Israelis, 1964-1970.

Social workers speak out

Twenty-six interviews with the pioneers of a profession.

Five men, six days: Pentonville voices

Memories of when workers rose up in support of five imprisoned London dockers (includes swearing).

Working for health: the carers' view

Health workers reflect on their role through sixty years.

Women at work

Insights into female employment.

Making motors

Stories from the vehicle industry.

Thirty years of ChildLine

Reflections by Dame Esther Rantzen and others on the work of the children's helpline.